DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki has given the NBA's 30,000-point club its first international member.
Nowitzki became the sixth player to reach the milestone Tuesday night, getting 18 of the 20 points he needed in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dallas star got there on a fadeaway jumper from the baseline over Larry Nance Jr. with 10:58 left in the second quarter.
Nowitzki added a 3-pointer for 23 points in the first 14 minutes before the game was stopped as teammates mobbed the wide-smiling 38-year-old near midcourt. After going to the bench for more hugs and hand slaps, including one from owner Mark Cuban, Nowitzki returned to the court to acknowledge the standing ovation.