Dirk passes 'The Logo' on NBA's all-time scoring list

By foxsports
Published

DALLAS – As Dirk Nowitzki participated in anticipation of passing Jerry West for 16th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, he did so with his usual casual reverence.
 
"That's the friggin' logo!'' Nowitzki said.
 
And now the jump is made, the Dallas legend Nowitzki scoring 19 points in a 105-95 win at the AAC over the Wizards to propel him over the Lakers great who is the model for the NBA's iconic logo.
 
"The logo kind of says it all and sums it up,'' said Dirk, who now has 25,197 points to West's 25,192 and can next target Reggie Miller's 25,279. "It's another great milestone."
 
These are historic names, of course, and Mavs coach Rick Carlisle mentioned a couple more in classifying Nowitzki as a mid-range weapon.
 
"Bird, Jordan and Dirk,'' said Carlisle, noting Nowitzki's legendary efforts in the practice gym: "It's religion for him.''
 
Nowitzki's momentous shot was a 3-pointer, the second of two consecutive bombs that were part of a third-quarter 10-2 burst that pushed the Mavs into command in the win, which is Dallas' fourth win at home in four tries. Not since 2007 have the Mavs started 4-0 at home.
 
Another round of balanced scoring also was pivotal here. The Mavs (5-3) got 19 points and seven assists from Monta Ellis (who made four quick buckets to start the fourth quarter). Vince Carter scored 16, Samuel Dalembert had 15 points and five rebounds, Jose Calderon tossed in 11 points, Shawn Marion contributed eight points and nine rebounds, and DeJuan Blair added nine points and 11 boards.
 
Nowitzki's solid line included eight rebounds and two steals.
 
Trevor Ariza led the Wizards with 27 points. John Wall and Nene each scored 12 points, Marcin Gortat collected 12 points and 12 rebounds and Bradley Beal was held to nine points.
 
"You're happy to survive it, but that's a good young team," Carlisle said.
 
And Dirk Nowitzki? Off in the distance is Oscar Robertson at No. 10 in NBA history with 26,710 points. The Uberman could conceivably catch "The Big O'' this season.
 
That's an all-time legend still climbing to greater heights.
 
"It's a monumental achievement to pass a player like that,'' Carlisle said. "He's going to pass more big names in the weeks and months to come. This has been a fantastic career that Dirk has had. We're going to do everything possible to extend it as long as possible."