Bill Simmons, ESPN, & More React to Dirk Nowitzki’s 40 Point Performance

Dirk Nowitzki scored a historic 40 points in Sunday afternoon’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers…and the NBA world took notice.

In Dallas, Nowitzki is considered a top 10 player of all-time and considered by many to be one of the greatest of all-time. Outside of Dallas, it’s been a different story throughout his 17 year career as people across the NBA universe never seem to give the due credit that Nowitzki deserves. But in his 17th year, Dirk is continuing to defy the odds of father time and play at an unreasonable high level.

Sunday evening, fans in Dallas got to witness another historic Nowitzki performance as the Mavs held off the Blazers in overtime despite Chandler Parsons being out with a hamstring injury. Dirk looked like he was playing 10 years ago as the Blazers were scrambling on finding a defense that could contain the 37-year old.

With help coming from the clutch play of point guard Deron Williams, Nowitzki put on a show for the ages as he became one of only four players to record 4o points after the age of 37 (Jordan, Kareem, Malone). This time, national media took notice…

Dirk is insane. Just insane. Watching Wes Matthews in 1Q made me uneasy. Was hobbling, uncomfortable. Looked better later in game.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) March 21, 2016

Dirk turns back the clock! Nowitzki becomes oldest player to score 40 Pts since Karl Malone in 2003 in Mavs OT win. pic.twitter.com/ADBF0qVTBK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 20, 2016

Look guys! The Mavericks and Nowitzki actually made SportsCenter. This is a monumental moment!

Old fart @swish41 has played 18 seasons, 1469 games and nearly 52,000 minutes and can still do this.https://t.co/eptLRYK4C6
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 21, 2016

Bill Simmons doesn’t hand out non-Boston praise too often, but when he does, don’t take it for granted.

Dirk Nowitzki became 1 of 4 players to score 40+ points in a game at age 37+ since 1963-64
(H/T @BR_Insights)https://t.co/0Fhz70XtGz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2016

Praise came in across social media from all sorts of outlets. No matter how much people want to discredit the work that Nowitzki has put up over his resume, you simply can’t deny greatness when it takes place. These were just a few examples across Twitter, Facebook, and other outlets of high-profile figures in the sports world taking notice of what Nowitzki had done on Sunday. Imagine if it was Kobe though…

In 2016, at the age of 37, Dirk is averaging 18.8 ppg and 6.7 rpg on 31.3 minutes a night.

Next: Looking at Dirk's Marvelous March

Dirk & Co. will look to build off their big win as they face the Blazers again on Wednesday night in Portland.

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