Who was that guy ?

[Tagged]

Picture this, it's 1998, a few guys from the NBA have a pick up game. Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are there, and they are on the same team.
Scottie is marking this kid, he's about 18-19, who at half time has 25 points. Michael and Charles tell Scottie to shut him down and Scottie agrees to shut him out, now remember in 1998 Scottie would be considered one of the very best defensive players in the world.
At full time, who was that guy who burnt Scottie and those NBA stars for 52 points ?

[Tagged]

It was Dirk.

[Lithium]

Never would have guessed, but that makes sense. Dirk has really been a transcendent scorer throughout his career.

[pwaldo]

Never would have guessed, but that makes sense. Dirk has really been a transcendent scorer throughout his career.

Agreed I wouldn't have guessed it was Nowitzki either but isn't Dirk like 7 feet tall? That's a tough guy for somebody the size of Pippen to guard.

[Tagged]

Also would like to add that Dirk had only been playing basketball for two years at the time.

[pwaldo]

Also would like to add that Dirk had only been playing basketball for two years at the time.

Did not know that. Amazing how both he and Tim Duncan have become so great and picked up basketball much later in their lives than most NBA players. I guess the above average height helps but they still have acquired all time great skills much quicker than most players.

[Tagged]

Dirk was stud tennis player, but most likely would have had a pro soccer career as a keeper if he hadn't been found by a basketball coach.
In 1998 also he almost single handedly beat the USA junior team.