Dirk Nowitzki Passes 27,000 Points Scored in NBA Career

Another game, another Dirk Nowitzki scoring milestone.

Less than a week after surpassing Hakeem Olajuwon on the NBA all-time scoring list, the Dallas Mavericks' star forward scored 11 more points against the Charlotte Hornets Monday night to run his total to 27,000:

The Star-Telegram's Dwain Price added another interesting tidbit, noting Nowitzki's impressive loyalty to the Mavs:

Nowitzki would finish with 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting in the 107-80 win.

As the smooth-shooting big man continues his ascent on the scoring list, we are constantly reminded not only of his unique impact on the NBA, but of the 36-year-old's unbelievable longevity.

In 17 seasons, Nowitzki has seen his points per game dip below 20.0 just three times, and one of those was during his rookie year when he averaged only 20.4 minutes per game. While he showed signs of finally slowing down during the 2012-13 campaign, he bounced back last year with one of the most efficient seasons of his career.

And as RealGM.com's Twitter feed pointed out, he's off to a red-hot start this year:

That's part of the beauty of Nowitzki's game. Even as he ages, his offensive arsenal doesn't become any easier to stop. A 7-footer with a gorgeous shooting stroke, he can score from the post, knock down threes or go to his unstoppable fadeaway mid-range jumper.

"I think every athlete dreams of being one of the special players of his generation, and he's going to be one of the special players of all-time," said teammate Tyson Chandler, via Mavs.com.

Barring an injury, Dirk will jump two more spots on the scoring list in 2014-15, as Elvin Hayes (27,313) and Moses Malone (27,409) are both within striking distance. 

But most who have played with the future Hall of Famer have raved about his work ethic. Even in his 16th season, it's clear the scoring isn't going to stop anytime soon.