A team spokesperson said Nowitzki was not poked in the eye and that he would not return to the game.

Nowitzki and a team trainer walked off the floor with 1:46 remaining in the first. The five-time all-star had six points and six rebounds in 10 minutes.

The defending Western Conference Champions are looking for their 11th straight victory.

Nowitzki came into the game averaging 25.7 points and 10 rebounds.