Complete Stats Comparison of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dirk Nowitzki

Here you have a complete side-by-side comparison of all the stats recorded by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dirk Nowitzki during their NBA careers. First we show you a summary of who had better numbers on each statistical category and then we compare in detail the performance of each of these stars in the regular season and the Playoffs, both in total stats and averages per game.

Player comparisons:
Career comparison / Season by season / Scoring / Stats / Stats Rankings

This in-depth comparison includes all the numbers, if you prefer a simplified version of this analysis with only the basic statistics, you will find it at the career comparison of these two NBA stars.

On this page we compare:

Who has better stats? Main stats / All stats
Regular Season: Averages / Totals / Pecentages
Playoffs: Averages / Totals / Pecentages

Main Stats Summary:

Who has better stats in the Regular Season?
Points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks
Player Better Career Average Better Career TotalYears
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar5
(points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks)		4
(points, rebounds, assists, blocks)		20
seasons
Dirk Nowitzki0
1
(steals)		21
seasons
Who has better stats in the Playoffs?
Points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks
Player Better Career Average Better Career TotalYears
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar3
(rebounds, assists, blocks)		5
(points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks)		18
Playoffs
Dirk Nowitzki1
(points)		0
15
Playoffs
they are tied1
(steals)

All Stats Summary:

Who has better stats in the Regular Season?
All the stats
Player Better Career Average Better Career TotalBetter Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar8
stats		7
stats		1
stat
Dirk Nowitzki4
stats		7
stats		2
stats
Who has better stats in the Playoffs?
All the stats
Player Better Career Average Better Career TotalBetter Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar5
stats		10
stats		1
stat
Dirk Nowitzki6
stats		4
stats		2
stats
they are tied1
stat

- "Better Career Total" includes games and years played as stats.

- For turnovers and personal fouls, lower numbers are better.

- Field goal, free-throw and three-point attempts are not included on these tables since it can't be said that higher is better.

Now, lets compare all their stats in detail, one by one...

Notes: Offensive and defensive rebounds, blocks and steals started to be recorded in 1973-74. Turnovers started to be recorded in 1977-78. Three-point shots were implemented in 1979-80.
(*) = some years in his career don't have the stat.

Comparison of Stats Per Game in the Regular Season

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Regular Season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks than Dirk Nowitzki.

Who had higher averages in the Regular Season?

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better averages in points (+3.9), field goals made (+2.9), offensive rebounds (+1.4), defensive rebounds (+1.0), total rebounds (+3.7), assists (+1.2), steals (+0.1) and blocks (+1.8)
- Dirk Nowitzki had better averages in 3-pointers made (+1.3) and free throws made (+0.5)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had higher (worst) averages in turnovers (+1.1) and personal fouls (+0.6)
-
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had higher averages in field goals attempted (+2.5) and free throws attempted (+0.6)
- Dirk Nowitzki had higher average in 3-pointers attempted (+3.4)

NBA Regular Season, Career Stats Per Game

Points
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 24.6
+3.9
Dirk Nowitzki 20.7
Field Goals Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10.2
+2.9
Dirk Nowitzki 7.3
Field Goals Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18.1
+2.5
Dirk Nowitzki 15.6
3-Pointers Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 1.3
+1.3
3-Pointers Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 3.4
+3.4
Free Throws Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4.3
Dirk Nowitzki 4.8
+0.5
Free Throws Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6.0
+0.6
Dirk Nowitzki 5.4
Offensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.4
+1.4 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1.0
Defensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7.6
+1.0 *
Dirk Nowitzki 6.6
Total Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 11.2
+3.7
Dirk Nowitzki 7.5
Assists
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3.6
+1.2
Dirk Nowitzki 2.4
Steals
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.9
+0.1 *
Dirk Nowitzki 0.8
Blocks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.6
+1.8 *
Dirk Nowitzki 0.8
Turnovers
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.7
+1.1 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1.6
Personal Fouls
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3.0
+0.6
Dirk Nowitzki 2.4

Comparison of Totals Stats in the Regular Season

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Regular Season, out of the five main statistical categories, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more total points, rebounds, assists and blocks while Dirk Nowitzki had more total steals.

Who had more total stats in the Regular Season?

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played more games (+38) and had more points (+6,827), field goals made (+4,668), offensive rebounds (+1,507), total rebounds (+5,951), assists (+2,009) and blocks (+1,908)
- Dirk Nowitzki played more years (+1) and had more 3-pointers made (+1,981), free throws made (+528), defensive rebounds (+627) and steals (+50)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more turnovers (+33) and personal fouls (+1,056)
-
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more field goals attempted (+4,573) and free throws attempted (+1,065)
- Dirk Nowitzki had more 3-pointers attempted (+5,192)

NBA Regular Season Stats, Career Totals

Years
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
Dirk Nowitzki 21
+1
Games
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,560
+38
Dirk Nowitzki 1,522
Points
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
+6,827
Dirk Nowitzki 31,560
Field Goals Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 15,837
+4,668
Dirk Nowitzki 11,169
Field Goals Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 28,307
+4,573
Dirk Nowitzki 23,734
3-Pointers Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1
*
Dirk Nowitzki 1,982
+1,981
3-Pointers Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
*
Dirk Nowitzki 5,210
+5,192
Free Throws Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6,712
Dirk Nowitzki 7,240
+528
Free Throws Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 9,304
+1,065
Dirk Nowitzki 8,239
Offensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2,975
+1,507 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1,468
Defensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 9,394
*
Dirk Nowitzki 10,021
+627
Total Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17,440
+5,951
Dirk Nowitzki 11,489
Assists
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5,660
+2,009
Dirk Nowitzki 3,651
Steals
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,160
*
Dirk Nowitzki 1,210
+50
Blocks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3,189
+1,908 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1,281
Turnovers
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2,527
+33 *
Dirk Nowitzki 2,494
Personal Fouls
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4,657
+1,056
Dirk Nowitzki 3,601

Comparison of Percentages in the Regular Season

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Regular Season, Dirk Nowitzki had better 3-point percentage and free throw percentage while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better field goal percentage.

NBA Regular Season Stats, Career Percentages

Field Goal Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 55.9%
+8.8
Dirk Nowitzki 47.1%
3-Point Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5.6%
*
Dirk Nowitzki 38.0%
+32.4
Free Throw Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 72.1%
Dirk Nowitzki 87.9%
+15.8

Comparison of Stats Per Game in the Playoffs

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Playoffs, out of the five main statistical categories, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better averages in rebounds, assists and blocks while Dirk Nowitzki had better average in points. They are tied in steals.

Who had higher averages in the Playoffs?

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better averages in field goals made (+1.5), offensive rebounds (+1.1), total rebounds (+0.5), assists (+0.7) and blocks (+1.5)
- Dirk Nowitzki had better averages in points (+1.0), 3-pointers made (+1.0), free throws made (+3.0) and defensive rebounds (+2.0)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had higher (worst) averages in turnovers (+0.3) and personal fouls (+0.6)
-
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had higher average in field goals attempted (+0.5)
- Dirk Nowitzki had higher averages in 3-pointers attempted (+2.8) and free throws attempted (+2.3)

NBA Playoffs, Career Stats Per Game

Points
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 24.3
Dirk Nowitzki 25.3
+1.0
Field Goals Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 9.9
+1.5
Dirk Nowitzki 8.4
Field Goals Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18.7
+0.5
Dirk Nowitzki 18.2
3-Pointers Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 1.0
+1.0
3-Pointers Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 2.8
+2.8
Free Throws Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4.4
Dirk Nowitzki 7.4
+3.0
Free Throws Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6.0
Dirk Nowitzki 8.3
+2.3
Offensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.6
+1.1 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1.5
Defensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6.5
*
Dirk Nowitzki 8.5
+2.0
Total Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10.5
+0.5
Dirk Nowitzki 10.0
Assists
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3.2
+0.7
Dirk Nowitzki 2.5
Steals
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1.0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 1.0
Blocks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.4
+1.5 *
Dirk Nowitzki 0.9
Turnovers
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2.6
+0.3 *
Dirk Nowitzki 2.3
Personal Fouls
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3.4
+0.6
Dirk Nowitzki 2.8

Comparison of Totals Stats in the Playoffs

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Playoffs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks than Dirk Nowitzki.

Who had more total stats in the Playoffs?

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played more years (+3) and games (+92), and had more points (+2,099), field goals made (+1,136), offensive rebounds (+293), defensive rebounds (+39), total rebounds (+1,035), assists (+407), steals (+40) and blocks (+347)
- Dirk Nowitzki had more 3-pointers made (+149) and free throws made (+24)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more turnovers (+119) and personal fouls (+390)
-
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had more field goals attempted (+1,780) and free throws attempted (+215)
- Dirk Nowitzki had more 3-pointers attempted (+404)

NBA Playoffs Stats, Career Totals

Years
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
+3
Dirk Nowitzki 15
Games
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 237
+92
Dirk Nowitzki 145
Points
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5,762
+2,099
Dirk Nowitzki 3,663
Field Goals Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2,356
+1,136
Dirk Nowitzki 1,220
Field Goals Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4,422
+1,780
Dirk Nowitzki 2,642
3-Pointers Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0
*
Dirk Nowitzki 149
+149
3-Pointers Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4
*
Dirk Nowitzki 408
+404
Free Throws Made
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,050
Dirk Nowitzki 1,074
+24
Free Throws Attempted
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,419
+215
Dirk Nowitzki 1,204
Offensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 505
+293 *
Dirk Nowitzki 212
Defensive Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,273
+39 *
Dirk Nowitzki 1,234
Total Rebounds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2,481
+1,035
Dirk Nowitzki 1,446
Assists
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 767
+407
Dirk Nowitzki 360
Steals
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 189
+40 *
Dirk Nowitzki 149
Blocks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 476
+347 *
Dirk Nowitzki 129
Turnovers
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 447
+119 *
Dirk Nowitzki 328
Personal Fouls
(lower is better)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 797
+390
Dirk Nowitzki 407

Comparison of Percentages in the Playoffs

Comparison highlight:

Comparison highlight In the Playoffs, Dirk Nowitzki had better 3-point percentage and free throw percentage while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had better field goal percentage.

NBA Playoffs Stats, Career Percentages

Field Goal Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 53.3%
+7.1
Dirk Nowitzki 46.2%
3-Point Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0.0%
*
Dirk Nowitzki 36.5%
+36.5
Free Throw Percentage
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 74.0%
Dirk Nowitzki 89.2%
+15.2
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