Nowitzki's new record
November 12, 2014
German basketballer Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points on Tuesday in Dallas to move to ninth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He did it in fine style too as his team, the Dallas Mavericks, came back from being 24 points down to beat the Sacramento Kings 106-98.
"It was special," said Nowitzki, who now has 26,953 points, seven more than Nigerian-born NBA hero, Hakeem 'the Dream' Olajuwon.
"To pass 'the Dream' is unbelievable. I'm very proud. And to do it in front of the home crowd, they knew exactly how many points I needed."
Nowitzki managed a jump shot over Carl Landry with just under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, to beat Olajuwon's mark.
After the game, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said that he expects Nowitzki to pass more players on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The only other active player in the top 10 is Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I think Dirk has earned everything he's got and every step he takes up the ladder is a reflection of his effort and his focus," said Dallas Mavericks club owner Mark Cuban. "To be the greatest international scorer ever is an amazing accomplishment. We're proud to have him here."
Two months ago a film about Nowitzki's life, called "The Perfect Shot," was released around the world. Many expect that the 36-year-old German will also be awarded a hall of fame position after he retires, too.
al/ sm (AFP, dpa)