"It's been a week since Dallas Mavericks star forward Dirk Nowitzki returned from a four-game sabbatical to get in better shape and rest an injured knee.

His jump shot and his game are coming along slowly.

Nowitzki has scored just 28 points on 11 of 39 shooting in three games since his return. He will head into tonight's game against the Indiana Pacers following a season-worst 2 for 15 shooting performance in Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nowitzki said the knee has improved and is no longer swelling after games. But he admits that his confidence has taken a hit, which is in turn affecting his game."