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Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks entered the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, just 20 points shy of the 30,000 mark to make him just the sixth player to achieve that milestone in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers could only do so much to stop Dirk Nowitzki to achieve the 30,000 feat.  

Can't Stop The Flying Deutschman

According to ESPN, the Lakers were only able to prevent it from happening in just the first quarter by limiting him to just 18 points by the end of the quarter. Fourteen minutes into the game, Dirk Nowitzki sank a basket that made his 30,000 achievement official.

The game was stopped to celebrate the 30,000 milestone, which was achieved in almost 19 seasons of playing in the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki stepped on court to thank the crowd for the support. The Mavericks won the game, 122-111 (via Fox Sports).

The Exclusive Club: Who Else Is In It?

Dirk Nowitzki now belongs to a very exclusive club of players in the NBA. The 30,000 club just lists six members, with Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and a future Hall of Fame Honoree Kobe Bryant.

Also, Dirk Nowitzi joins Malone and Bryant as the only players who breached the 30,000-point mark with just one team. He also now holds the distinction of being the first foreign player to ever reach the 30,000 milestone.

Not Just Yet: Player Still Playing For The Mavs Next Season?

After this achievement, Dirk Nowitzki is still considering season number 20 with the Mavs. After all, the prolific scorer in a 7'1 frame still has averages that would eclipse stats of younger players in the power forward position.

The Mavericks have also agreed to a two-year deal worth $25 million so that has cast all doubts aside for his return next year other than his official confirmation. If he plays for the Mavericks again next season, he will tie with Kobe Bryant in the record for the most seasons played under one franchise.