DIRK NOWITZKI scored a season-high 30 points and then announced his retirement in the 40-year-old’s final home game, a 120-109 victory for the Dallas Mavericks over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

The most accomplished European player in NBA history told the crowd, “As you might expect, this is my last home game.” That was after speeches from Larry Bird and others he idolized growing up in Germany.

The Mavericks star nearly jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face after a rare dunk prompted thunderous applause from a crowd celebrating the final home game of his record 21st season with the same franchise.

“This is obviously super, super emotional. Just too many people to really thank. I put you guys on a helluva ride with a lot of ups and downs, and you guys always stuck with me and supported me, so I appreciate it.”

Nowitzki never shared his retirement plans because he didn’t want a farewell tour, but he also said he only began serious deliberations on retirement when his lower body gave him issues late in the season.

The 14-time All-Star got the farewell treatment on the road, with opposing fans chanting “We want Dirk.”

Nowitzki wondered why the postgame video included him talking about the players he idolized growing up in Germany.

He saw Charles Barkley on the court. Then Bird, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Kemp, and Detlef Schrempf, the notable countryman to come before him in the NBA.

“The only guy that was missing was MJ,” Nowitzki said, referring to Michael Jordan — the player he passed to become the oldest to score at least 30 in a game. “That was my No. 1. They brought Larry Legend. I mean, it’s, that was an emotional moment when I saw all five of them and I was in shock really.” (SD-Agencies)