It’s no secret that Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James share mutual respect for each other. Even after Nowitzki helped guide the Mavs past a James-led Miami Heat team in 2011.

James owns a three-game lead in the all-time series between the two former MVPs, according to landofbasketball. Nowitzki, however, owns the ever-important two-game lead in playoff meetings.

Nowitzki’s best statistical performance against James arguably took place early in James’ career, then still a budding sensation. The 7-footer gave rookie LeBron a ride to school late in his first season with 18 rebounds and 35 points on 14-of-23 from the field in a 126-109 win against Cleveland on March 30, 2004, nearly 14 years ago.

Sunday marks the 32nd matchup between the two future Hall of Fame players. There are over 2,600 games of experience shared between James and Nowitzki; 27 All-Star game appearances, 27 playoff appearances, 35 seasons of NBA experience and four NBA Championships.

Not to mention the 25 All-NBA Team selections, 5 Season MVP’s, 4 Finals MVP’s or 62,000-plus combined points scored.

James continues to closely follow Nowitzki’s career as club members of the ever-exclusive 30,000 points club.

.@kingjames comes through with a huge congrats to Dirk Nowitzki on joining the 30,000-point club. pic.twitter.com/CaOsYAnXFI

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) March 8, 2017

Nowitzki leads all active NBA players in points. His 31,164 points scored are the sixth-most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, respectively.

A staple of continuity for Dallas, this season the Würzberg-native makes the 76th start of his 20th-consecutive season with the team – a streak James will never approach.

Tip off is set for 5 p.m. and can be viewed on Fox Sports Southwest or NBATV.

Follow DallasSportsFanatic for more updates throughout the contest.