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40 moments to celebrate Dirk Nowitzki’s 40th birthday

ByJasmyn Wimbish|
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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6. First 40-point game vs. Spurs in 2001

DALLAS, UNITED STATES: Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki calls the defense in first half action versus the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, 08 November, 2001. AFP PHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo credit should read PAUL BUCK/AFP/Getty Images)
DALLAS, UNITED STATES: Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki calls the defense in first half action versus the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, 08 November, 2001. AFP PHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo credit should read PAUL BUCK/AFP/Getty Images)

On May 14, 2001 Dirk Nowitzki garnered his first 40-point game in his career, and who better to hang 42 points on than the San Antonio Spurs. Sure the Mavericks lost to the Spurs 105-87, but Nowitzki’s line for that game is insane. On top of scoring 42 points, Dirk ended with 18 rebounds, six steals and two assists. That was the first of 27 40+ games for Dirk, and although it was in a loss it was still an important milestone in his career.

7. First All-Star appearance

With only three years of experience in the league, Dirk made the NBA All-Star team during the ’01-’02 season. In 24 minutes Nowitzki put up 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists off the bench to help the West beat the East. Although it wasn’t an All-Star Game MVP worthy performance, this marked the beginning of an 11-year streak of Dirk being part of the All-Star festivities. Which also meant that it gave Mavericks fans an extra incentive to watch the game.

8. 53-point game vs. Rockets in 2004

Speaking of 40+ games, remember when Dirk dropped 53 on the other in-state rivals? It pitted Dirk against Tracy McGrady and the Rockets, and it did not disappoint. McGrady ended the game with 48 points, but it was Nowitzki who had the final word with a three-pointer to cap a 53-point performance in an overtime win.

9. 3-point contest champion

Nowitzki participated in the Three-Point Shootout three times over his career, but only came away with the hardware in 2006. Dirk beat out Gilbert Arenas and Ray Allen to capture the title, making 18 in the final round. Previously Dirk competed in the three-point contest in 2000 and 2001, but was unable to beat out the field. This one was special not only because of his win, but because it was the season that Dallas made it to the Finals on the back of Nowitzki’s performance all season long.

10. 50-point game vs. Suns in 2006 playoffs

Word to the wise: don’t taunt Dirk Nowitzki. During Game 5 of the 2006 Western Conference Finals Suns forward Tim Thomas blew a kiss to Nowitzki in a taunting manner. Dirk’s response? Lighting up the Suns’ defense for 50 points for the win, and giving Dallas a 3-2 lead in the series. Going 5-of-6 from three-point range Nowitzki eventually carried the Mavericks to the 2006 Finals after beating the Suns.

Next: Dirk's greatest moments: 11-15

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