Sun turning blue

Dirk Nowitzki missed his first four free throws against Memphis on Saturday.

“That’s like the sun turning blue,” Avery Johnson said. “That would be weird, wouldn’t it? That’s like me all of the sudden becoming a 3-point shooter.”

The Mavs shook up their free-throw routine at practice, shooting them after doing some extensive running. Even if he couldn’t replicate the 20,000 fans in the building, Johnson wanted to simulate game fatigue.

As for Nowitzki, he’s not worried about his early-season shooting woes. He shot 50 percent from the floor and 90 percent at the line last year. This year he’s at 45 percent and 78 percent, respectively.

The MVP is just worried about results, and the Mavs currently own the third-best record in the Western Conference.

“That’s great for the team,” Nowitzki said. “We’re 7-2 and I really haven’t felt comfortable with my shot. That’s pretty good.”