Dirk Nowitzki missed the Mavericks' home game against the Cavaliers on Sunday night because of soreness in his elbow, where two teeth belonging to the Rockets' Carl Landry wound up following a collision a few nights before.
"I tried (shooting), but it's just too sore," said Nowitzki, his arm bandaged from his elbow to his wrist.
Nowitzki needed several stitches to repair the gash in his right elbow, which he suffered during the second quarter of an overtime loss Friday to the Rockets.
He shot two free throws left-handed, then went to the locker room and didn't return.
•The Celtics and Timberwolves played with two referees - Derrick Stafford and Kevin Fehr - because the winter storm that blanketed the East Coast with snow prevented the third, Leon Wood, from making it to Boston. ... Knicks President Donnie Walsh said he probably will begin discussions with Nate Robinson's agent Monday about a request to trade the benched guard, who Sunday indicated his preference was to stay in New York. ... Mavericks owner Mark Cuban officially filed a protest with the NBA office over what he termed "misapplication of the rules" by the officiating crew during Friday night's game.
AP
