AXS TV Acquires Magnolia Pictures' Acclaimed Dirk Nowitzki Documentary 'NOWITZKI: THE PERFECT SHOT,' Premiering Thurs., Oct. 29, At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- AXS TV continues to deliver cable television premieres of the Industry's most acclaimed features, acquiring the rights to Magnolia Pictures' celebrated sports documentary NOWITZKI: THE PERFECT SHOT. The film will premiere on Thursday, October 29, at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. NOWITZKI: THE PERFECT SHOT was originally released in theaters across the country on July 17, 2015. The event follows up on AXS TV's commitment to bring network premieres and acclaimed films for all to enjoy.  Previously, AXS TV premiered the star-studded music documentary THE WRECKING CREW on July 18, and the Oscar®-winning sensation MAN ON WIRE on September 5.

NOWITZKI: THE PERFECT SHOT is the inspiring true story of NBA Champion, 13-time NBA All-Star, and Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki. Giving viewers an all-access pass to the NBA superstar's life, the film explores the beloved big man's early beginnings playing second league German basketball, leading to his relationship with mentor Holger Geschwinder—a German basketball hero-turned-physicist who noticed the young Nowitzki's blossoming talent, and helped him craft what would ultimately become his signature jump-shot. Nowitzki's relentless work ethic and will to win eventually translated to him being selected ninth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

Delving into his professional career, the film examines the growing pains that surrounded his rookie campaign, and the fateful 1999 season that saw internet billionaire Mark Cuban purchase the team from then-owner Ross Perot, a move that would alter the team's—and Nowitzki's—fortunes forever. Twelve years later, with multiple All-Star appearances and a League MVP Award under his belt, Nowitzki made history when he became the first non-American to lead his team to victory in the NBA Finals, overcoming the Miami Heat and bringing Dallas its first NBA Championship. Nowitzki's performance earned him Finals MVP honors, on the strength of 26 points, nine rebounds, and two assists per game, despite fighting through a 101-degree fever in the fourth game of the series.

Produced by Emmy®-winning filmmaker Leopold Hoesch, the documentary brings Nowitzki's story to life with exclusive NBA footage and candid interviews with some of the sport's biggest names, including Mavericks owner Mark Cuban; Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant; retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming; past teammates Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Michael Finley; coaches Don Nelson and Rick Carlisle; former NBA Commissioner David Stern; German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt; and, of course, Nowitzki, himself.

"For almost 17 years, Dirk Nowitzki has remained one of the best-loved and most-dominant players in the NBA," said Jeff Cuban, AXS TV's executive vice president and general manager. "Now, in this premiere event, viewers will get to know the man behind the legend—from his humble beginnings in Germany to his meteoric rise as the international basketball superstar he is today, no stone is left unturned."

ABOUT AXS TV
AXS TV is the cable industry's leading general entertainment network for live event programming. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today's top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network's franchises include THE X FACTOR UK and NASHVILLE; as well as original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; THE WORLD'S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; ART MANN PRESENTS; AXS TV FIGHTS; and INSIDE MMA. 

AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers, including members of the National Cable Television Cooperative. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram; Tumblr; Cyber Dust and YouTube.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73907

SOURCE AXS TV