Dirk Nowitzki, who is still hearing criticism for his performance during a 129-127 double-overtime loss to Phoenix last week, admitted that he gets tight during pressure situations.

"I think everybody who says they don't get tense, they're lying," Nowitzki said following Monday's practice.

"It's big games. You got to find ways to stay loose and relax. I've been doing a decent job of not letting the pressure get to me and still enjoying the moment."