Dirk Nowitzki into 7th on scoring list
NEW YORK -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki put the Brooklyn Nets away for good Monday night -- and moved up in the record book as a result.
Nowitzki hit a 3-pointer with 34.8 seconds left in overtime to surpass Moses Malone and move into seventh place on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 27,412 career points. The shot also gave the Mavericks an eight-point lead en route to a 96-88 victory over the Nets at Barclays Center.
"Yeah, it's been insane, crazy ride in Year No. 17, and Moses was obviously an unbelievable player," said Nowitzki, who totaled 15 points on the night. "So it has been a humbling experience to pass all these all-time greats. It's a tribute to obviously the hard work, but all the great coaches and teammates that have gotten me to this point, and obviously staying healthy is a big part. I am proud of it, but I am more proud that we got the win."
Nowitzki, 36, went into the game needing 13 points to surpass Malone, who finished his career with 27,409 points. Shaquille O'Neal is in sixth place on the league's all-time scoring list with 28,596 points.
"You couldn't have a more fitting way for Dirk to pass Moses for seventh on the all-time scoring list," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "It's unbelievable."
