Dirk Nowitzki made his season debut on Sunday night, earlier than many around the NBA expected, and scored eight points while logging 20 minutes in the Dallas Mavericks' blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

"I tried to give it a go,'' said Nowitzki, who was 3-of-4 from the field. "I knew my minutes were going to be limited, but I just gave it a go.''

Nowitzki played his first game since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 19.