Dirk Nowitzki: 'I need to improve'

Dirk Nowitzki has said that he will be looking to improve after missing a shot that could have helped the Dallas Mavericks avoid defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

The NBA's 15th highest scorer of all time had a chance to tie the scores late in last night's game, sending the contest into overtime, but Randy Foye forced the error from the German.

The 35-year-old told reporters: "We ran a good play. I thought Vince [Carter] was halfway open, decided not to shoot.

"Then we ran a little pick and roll and the clock was going down and I had to heave one.

"It was still a decent look to tie it, but it just didn't go in. I've got to be a little better down the stretch. I missed my last two or three shots."

Nowitzki, who finished the game with 27 points, has averaged 20.9 points per game this season.