'A beautiful moment': NBA coach's classy move for Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki has been at the Mavericks since 1998. Photo / AP

Dallas Mavericks veteran Dirk Nowitzki has been on the receiving end of some special sportsmanship.

There's speculation the 40-year-old German could retire at the end of the season, and LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers seized a moment to celebrate his career.

Rivers grabbed the PA microphone with the Clippers leading 121-112 and 9.4 seconds on the clock in their match at the Staples Center and encouraged the crowd to applaud the German.

Nowitzki's been at the Mavericks since 1998. He responded to the standing ovation with a smile and a thumbs-up.

What a beautiful moment in LA. Thanks Doc and @LAClippers! 👏🐐 pic.twitter.com/gsYq923VSX

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 26, 2019

Thanks Doc and Clippers fans! I will always remember this https://t.co/kzVfbt5S4E

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 26, 2019

When Dirk comes back next year pic.twitter.com/1sa3Lat5ce

— Edgar Servin (@eserv88) February 26, 2019