The NBA is full of storylines throughout the season and in a league full of superstars, records are meant to be broken. Here’s a look at some milestones to keep an eye on as the week goes on.
Dirk Nowitzki
The “Dunking Deutschman” is playing in his 20th season with the Mavericks, and while retirement is certainly on the brink, Nowitzki is still clocking in 25.1 minutes per game and averaging in double figures on a team that is 100 percent in the “tank business.” The veteran presence on a roster mentoring guys like Harrison Barnes, Yogi Ferrell and Dennis Smith Jr. is important and in the meantime, Nowitzki is competing at a high level and on pace to break records along the way.
Nowitzki is the NBA’s sixth-leading scorer and after seven points on Monday, Dirk needs just seven more this week to join the 31,000 point club. With a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, it’s likely fans will see another glimpse of greatness into the career of Dirk. We can only hope he hits the milestone with one of his patented one-leg fadeaway jumpers.
Carmelo Anthony
In a new role as the third-man up in Oklahoma City, it’s been a different season for Carmelo Anthony. No more drama with the New York Knicks media and its brass has almost made Melo an afterthought of topical news. No longer the go-to guy and now playing in the shadows of Paul George and Russell Westbrook, Anthony hasn’t garnered the same attention or accolades of years-past.
With a career average of 24.3 points per game and a career field-goal percentage of 45 percent, 2017-18 has been the lowest output generated from Anthony in his 14 years as a pro. Anthony is averaging just 17 points per game, shooting a dismal 41 percent from the field, an effective field goal percentage of just 47.8 and just 77 percent from the charity stripe. Father time may be catching up to Anthony, but he continues to climb the ranks. With 31 points to go this week, Anthony is on pace to pass “the logo,” Jerry West (25,192), for 20th on the NBA’s all-time list. For as much as Melo has not accomplished, he certainly has put in the work and time to demand our respect.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is arguably the best player in the NBA or the second-best, it really depends on who you ask. While he may be 1-A. or 1-B. in the eyes of many, KD is a force to be reckoned with and will go down as one of the greats in the game. The size, wingspan, shooting ability and now, the defense, is a nightmare for 99 percent of the league.
With that being said, it’s no surprise to see Durant breaking records and passing great shooters in his path along the way. After 22 points in a win over the Knicks on Monday, Durant will need just four points to pass 3-point assassin, Mitch Richmond (20,497 points) for 40th on the NBA’s all-time list . . . at the age of 29.
LeBron James
The LeBron vs. Jordan debate is simplistic at best these days, you really are either on one side or the other. Those who “Stan” for Jordan understand the importance of the NBA championships, the Finals MVP, the dominance and the fact that not only was Jordan undefeated in the NBA Finals, he was never forced into a Game 7—ever.
For the LeBron “Stans,” it’s much of the same arguments, LeBron has displayed a level of dominance that seemingly is becoming stronger, his versatility through the evolution of the NBA, the unselfishness, and the consistency in getting to the NBA Finals in consecutive years, win or lose.
These debates will last an eternity and with more milestones for LeBron to break this week, don’t expect the discussion to stop anytime soon. Chasing MJ, LeBron is on pace to tie Jordan for fourth on the all-time list for the most 20-point games (926) in their respective careers. With a 20-point outing against the Brooklyn Nets this week and the opportunity to pass Jordan at week’s end, LeBron will need just 208 games to catch up to the all-time leader, the mailman, Karl Malone.
Next: Week In Review—Sloan Analytics Conference
Triple-Double Watch
Russell Westbrook is almost cemented now as the king of the triple-double. After capturing the MVP, averaging a triple-double for the 2016-17 season and passing Oscar Robertson for most in a single season reaching 42 on the year, the triple-doubles continue to be plentiful for the talented point guard in OKC. Westrbook leads the NBA in triple-doubles on the year with 18 and with three games left for the week, Westbrook needs only three to reach the pinaccle of triple-double milestones, 100 for a career and only the fourth player to achieve this status.
Joining the likes of Robertson, Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd, Westbrook is essentially a first-ballot Hall-of-Fame entry in the making. The Thunder will face-off against the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers on their road trip and it’s safe to say Westbrook will likely be one triple-double closer to the century mark.
Statistics coutesy of NBA.com