Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki nearly knocked to the ground during fan's failed dunk attempt

Game 4 of the NBA Finals is tonight, and the Dallas Mavericks are down 3-0 to the Boston Celtics. Luka Dončić has had a bumpy series. Craig Carton and Tim Hardaway Sr. discuss whether Luka will show up for this pivotal matchup.

NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki learned the hard way that giving a fan an opportunity to dunk over you can be a risky proposition.

The seven-footer appeared at a promotional event outside the Dallas Mavericks' home arena before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and a fan at the event was eager to show off his dunking prowess.

Nowitzki stood under the basket and held the ball behind his head as the fan got a running start. 

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Former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, June 12, 2024. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)

But the fan's dunk attempt was unsuccessful.

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"Damn, Chris," an announcer said in reaction to the attempt.

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The fan did not even manage to get the ball from Nowitzki's hands. He instead landed on the former NBA star's back, almost knocking him down in the process.

(L-R) Emmitt Smith, Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center June 12, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

The collar on Nowitzki's blue shirt popped up as a result of the failed dunk. Aside from that, the Mavs legend appeared OK.

Former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics