March 7th, 2017

The Lakers went into Dallas on Tuesday night, and witnessed Dirk Nowitzki  score his 30,000th career point against them, while also losing to the Mavs 122-111.

Nowitzki became the 6th player in NBA history, and the first international one to reach the milestone. He joins Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant as the only other players to score 30,000 for one team.  The other four players to reach the 30,000 point club are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan.

The 7-foot German scored 25 points for the game, to go along with 11 rebounds.  He also matched the best 1st quarter of his career with 18 points, and reached the milestone at the 10:58 mark of the 2nd quarter.  It came on his trademark fadeaway jumper over Larry Nance Jr.

“There’s a reason he has 30,000 points,” Nance said. “That’s a 7-footer leaning back. That can shoot. Good luck.”

Nowitzki hit a 3-pointer a few minutes later and the Lakers called timeout.  He was congratulated by teammates at that point, and given a loud ovation by the crowd.  After that he waived to the crowd in appreciation.

As for the rest of the game, the Mavericks built a 31-point lead in the 3rd quarter.  The Lakers fought back in the 4th quarter, but it wasn’t too late.  They did however, get some good numbers from some young players.

D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points on 8-17 shooting, to go along with 4 assists and 4 steals.  Julius Randle had a triple-double with 13 points, 10 assists, and 18 rebounds.  Jordan Clarkson had 22 points, and Brandon Ingram had 13.

The numbers at the end of the game didn’t look so bad, but the reality of it is the Lakers were dominated for 3 quarters.  LA has lost 8 in a row, and are still 2 game behind the Phoenix Suns, in the race to secure more ping pong balls in the draft lottery.  The Lakers will be in Phoenix to take on the Suns on Thursday.