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Nowitzki on Hinrich foul criticism: 'I feel bad for saying it'

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Dirk Nowitzki didn't mean to do you wrong, Kirk Hinrich.

Nowitzki was critical of Hinrich's decision to foul while up three points late in regulation on Tuesday, a foul that started a chain of events that ultimately saw the Dallas Mavericks take a double-overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls.

As outlined below, Nowitzki called it one of the dumber fouls he's seen, which Hinrich accepted and admitted himself, though Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau tried to cover for his player, saying he ordered the foul. 

Nowitzki said Wednesday he regrets speaking as harshly as he did about a player he likes:

I didn't mean to put my man Kirk on the spot like that, because he's a good dude. He's a hard-nosed player. He made two threes right before that actually to put them in position to win, so I have nothing but respect for Kirk Hinrich. I didn't mean to really get it out like that.

I feel bad for saying it. I should have maybe phrased it different, maybe say it wasn't the smartest play I've ever seen.

It matters little after the fact, though, with both teams back in action again Wednesday. Hinrich and Nowitzki also don't seem like the types to carry a grudge into their next meeting on Jan. 23.

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