Vince Carter became the 22nd player in NBA history to score 25,000 points, reaching the milestone Wednesday night in Atlanta’s 124-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

“Everyone in the NBA, we’re all tipping our hats to him because 25,000 is a lot of points,” Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry said. “He’s such a great guy, great individual, great teammate, great person. He’s earned it, deserved it. I think everyone’s really happy for him. He earned it tonight, and to get it on a two-handed dunk like that is pretty cool.”

Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce, well aware that Carter was closing in on the milestone, subbed Carter back into the game in the closing minutes of the blowout.

“I didn’t want to do that, but I had to do it,” Pierce said. “We had to keep Vince out there to get that milestone, and I feel a lot better for doing it. What a night for Vince, what a night for the NBA. To see a guy with 21 years in the NBA is a long time; 25,000 points is a lot of points.”

He finished with 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting.

Carter characterized the moment as a “weight lifted off my shoulder” but also expressed gratitude for the legacy that accompanies such an accomplishment.

As the crowd at State Farm Arena roared, an emotional Carter gripped the ball after it passed through the rim and closed his eyes. After the final buzzer, Carter was presented with the game ball, after which he walked to center court and waved to the Atlanta crowd.

Vince Carter was a once in a generation type athlete. 

He really is half man, half amazing. 

Check out some of Vince’s all time highlights below: 

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