I had been over 8 month ago that one of the greatest basketball player had last set his feet on court to throw some balls in a NBA game. Exactly it was on April 3rd, and many doubted that Dallas Mavericks' legendary power forward Dirk Nowitzki will ever come back at all.
After his ankle surgery he took his time to recover but I am really sure deep inside he was burning for that day, when he could finally take on that responsibility again and help his team winning.
And even though Dallas lost against the Phoenix Sun, yesterday was Dirk day.
Before the game it was still questionable whether Nowitzki would actually play or not, and eventually he didn't get that much play time. But at the end of the first quarter he finally came from the bank and it only took him 40 seconds to make his first two points after what must have felt a lifetime. His first throw this season brought Dallas the lead and I reckon people must have felt like all the 20 seasons before, when Nowitzki was an important and absolute essential support of the Dallas Mavericks.
Being a 13-times All Star speaks a language of it's own, and now he can claim another record.
During his time in the highest American basketball league NBA he has now played in 21 seasons for the same club. You don't get much more loyal players than that.
The now 40 years old German has shown was a great athlete and sportsman he is and he surely doesn't need to prove anything to anyone anymore.
He ranks on number 7 in the NBA all time scoring list, quite an awesome achievement for that boy from the West-German town of Würzburg.
I wish Dirk can soon play a whole game and add some more points to his personal career scoring list to maybe even get up to rank 6 and past Wilt Chamberlain.
But wherever it all may end, nobody can take away the great moments he celebrated in Dallas and in so many other basketball stadiums all through North America.
Just take it easy Dirk and enjoy every day on the basketball court to the fullest. You are already a living legend and the end of your story hasn't been written yet. There aren't so many genuine and humble athletes like you out there anymore, where most people in the world of sport are just hustling for some quick fame. If there is someone who I would name as a role model, you were one of them.
Hopefully season number 21 won't be the last, I am sure there are still a few records you might want to collect. Right now, seeing you back in the game is one of the best news this year.
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