Watch Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot

Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot is a 2014 documentary film directed by Sebastian Dehnhardt that chronicles the life and career of German basketball star Dirk Nowitzki. The film features interviews with Nowitzki, his family members, coaches, teammates, rivals, and fellow NBA players, including Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Michael Finley, Shawn Marion, and Vince Carter, among others. Through rare footage, photos, and personal anecdotes, the film portrays Nowitzki as a humble and hardworking athlete who defied expectations, overcame obstacles, and achieved greatness on and off the court.

The film begins with Nowitzki's childhood in Würzburg, Germany, where he grew up playing basketball with his older brother and father, a former handball player. Nowitzki describes how he was inspired by the NBA players he saw on TV and how he dreamed of one day playing in the league himself. He also talks about the influence of his mentor and coach, Holger Geschwindner, a former Olympic basketball player and physicist who taught him the fundamentals of the game and helped him develop his unique shooting style.

The film then follows Nowitzki's journey from his early years playing for the DJK Würzburg youth team to his professional debut with the DJK team in the second division of the German Basketball League. It also shows his stint with the Under-22 German national team and his introduction to the American scouts and coaches who would eventually draft him to the NBA.

The film emphasizes the challenges that Nowitzki faced as a foreign player entering the NBA in 1998, when European players were not as highly regarded as American players. It shows how Nowitzki struggled to adapt to the faster and more physical style of play in the NBA, and how he faced criticism and ridicule from fans and journalists who doubted his abilities. However, it also highlights the support he received from his family, his coach, and his teammates, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to keep working hard.

As Nowitzki's career progresses, the film highlights his successes and milestones, including his All-Star selections, his MVP award, and his championship win in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks. It also shows his involvement in philanthropic work, particularly his support for organizations that help children in need.

Throughout the film, Nowitzki and his colleagues reflect on the significance of his trademark move, the fadeaway shot, which is shown in slow motion and from different angles. They discuss the mechanics of the shot, its effectiveness in creating separation from defenders, and its role in Nowitzki's game strategy. They also describe the psychological aspects of the shot, such as the confidence and fearlessness required to execute it under pressure.

The film ends with Nowitzki's retirement from the NBA in 2019, after 21 seasons with the same team. It shows his emotional farewell game, in which he scored 30 points and received a standing ovation from the fans and his fellow players. It also features interviews with Nowitzki and his family about his post-basketball plans and his legacy as a player and a role model.

Overall, Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot is a well-crafted and engaging documentary that celebrates the career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It provides an intimate look into the life of a humble and determined athlete who overcame adversity and left a lasting impact on the sport. The film is a must-watch for fans of basketball, sports documentaries, and inspiring human stories.

Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.