Dirk Nowitzki hit a jump shot over Luis Scola to tie Allen Iverson on the NBA's all-time scoring list at 18th with 24,368. A few minutes later, he took a dribble, pump-faked and nailed a fadeaway jumper over Scola again to move alone in 18th place with 24,370 career points. If there's a more perfect play for Dirk to reach a milestone, I can't think of one.





Nowitzki got his points in 1,071 games while Iverson needed 914 games, but Nowitzki was able to bring the Dallas Mavericks a championship and came into the league as a scrawny, unknown European player, while Iverson was a hyped, No. 1 overall pick coming straight into a starring role.

Dirk grew into his starring role, putting the entire Dallas Mavericks franchise on his German back, leading them to two NBA Finals and winning one with a legendary performance, including his own version of the "flu game." His awkward game and silky smooth jump shot paved the way for hordes of international players, giving them legitimacy, making each franchise seraching for its own "next Dirk."

Just like there will never be a "next AI," there will never be a "next Dirk." Congratulations, you big goofy German.