Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki has conceded that he regrets the comments he made about Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich after Tuesday night's game.

Nowitzki described Hinrich's foul on Monta Ellis as "one of the dumber fouls I've ever seen" as Ellis hit three free throws to send the game into overtime.

"I didn't mean to put my man Kirk on the spot like that, because he's a good dude," Nowitzki told reporters.

"He's a hard-nosed player. He made two 3s right before that actually to put them in position to win, so I have nothing but respect for Kirk Hinrich. I didn't mean to really get it out like that."

Hinrich conceded that it was a "dumb play" and that although he hadn't heard Nowitzki's comments, he could understand why he said it.