Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with guard Yogi Ferrell (11) and forward Nerlens Noel (3) after scoring his 30,000th point during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, including the 30,000th of his career, to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 122-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at American Airlines Center.
Nowitzki, the sixth-leading scorer in NBA history, hit the magical number on his signature one-legged, step-back jumper on the baseline early in the second quarter. In the midst of an arena-wide celebration, Nowitzki hit a long 3-pointer on the next trip down the court before the game was stopped.
A video tribute followed as Nowitzki was mobbed by his teammates, coaches and owner Mark Cuban. Nowitzki came out to center court to acknowledge the cheers and wave thanks to the fans.
The other five players with at least 30,000 points are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32,292) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419).
Trail Blazers 126, Thunder 121
OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite a career-high 58 points from Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City lost to Portland.
Seven Trail Blazers scored in double figures led by Allen Crabbe, who posted 23 points. Damian Lillard scored 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting. CJ McCollum added 21 points for Portland.
Westbrook shot 21 of 39 to go along with nine assists. He was the only Thunder starter to register an assist. Victor Oladipo scored 16 points in his first game back from injury and Enes Kanter came off the bench to score 11.
