One of the saddest things about sports is witnessing superstars age. It’s inevitable, but it’s still a hard reality to face. Every NBA player eventually matches up with their toughest opponent, time. Yet, it’s incredible to see these heroes play at a high level despite their equally high age.
Dirk Nowitzki is a prime example of this. Going into his 18th year in the league, Dirk certainly isn’t expected to produce like he did in 2007 when he was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player or in 2011 when the Mavericks won the title. Regardless, Nowitzki continues to prove that he’s a revolutionary basketball player and one of the best of his generation.
Against the Lakers on Sunday, Dirk confirmed this with a couple of spectacular plays.
Here, Dirk was posted on the right block with a much smaller Lou Williams trying to defend him. Upon catching the entry pass, Dirk immediately drove to the paint and elevated for the two-hand jam.
(Vine via Antonio Sbarro Jr.)
On this play, Deron Williams threw a high pass to Dirk in the left mid-post area. Rather than catching it, Dirk tip-passed the ball to a cutting Dwight Powell for the easy bucket.
(Vine via Antonio Sbarro Jr.)
Although Dirk’s athleticism and quickness have dissipated over his career, he’ll never lose the ability to amaze us.