DALLAS – They’ve been friends for more than a decade, but Devin Harris has been getting on Dirk Nowitzki’s nerves a lot lately.

“He actually beats me all the time in 3-point shooting contests, which pisses me off,” Nowitzki said.

Dirk Nowitzki has found himself on the losing end of shooting contests to Devin Harris. AP Photo/Jim Cowsert

There are typically a few bucks on the line during those post-practice shooting sessions. Harris especially enjoys taking the money of a teammate who is “kind of a tightwad” despite making more than $200 million during his NBA career.

But the best part about beating Nowitzki in the shooting contests is shutting up a star who loves talking trash to his teammates.

“He’s a guy that likes to talk a lot,” Harris said. “I don’t like to talk a whole lot. I just like to beat him excessively. I’ve done that.”

Harris has also translated his work on the practice court to games. He’s shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, the best of the Dallas Mavericks rotation players. It’s also by far the best of Harris’ career.

Harris, a 32.1 percent career 3-point shooter, made improving his stroke a priority over the summer. He has worked with Holger Geschwindner, Nowitzki’s longtime mentor and shot doctor, and also appreciates the tips that he gets from the sweetest-shooting 7-footer in NBA history.

So Harris credits Nowitzki with an assist of sorts for his shooting improvement. And Nowitzki has dished out six real assists to Harris this season, four of which resulted in 3s.

“I think when he sees me open he’s actually passing it a little bit more because he knows I’m beating him a little bit more,” Harris said. “So I think that’s definitely a bonus.”