Dallas Mavericks: Happy Birthday Dirk Nowitzki

11. And-1 Game 7, 2006 – San Antonio Spurs

NBA history likes to use individual shots throughout games to highlight players, careers, teams, and franchises. Very few players in the league have more than one shot that will be remembered for a very long time after they are done.

Although this is not the most memorable shot in Dirk’s illustrious career, it has its place in the top moments for him and for the Mavericks organization.

To set the scene, the Mavs are playing the Spurs in the playoffs who they can never beat. The team has forced a game 7 and all looks good until disaster strikes with under a minute to play. Dirk won’t allow that though. Take a look here.

Sorry about the foreign language over the video, but Dirk hits the and-1 to force overtime which Dallas eventually takes and wins the series on their way to the Suns and then the Heat in the NBA Finals.

10. Heroes

With as many incredible things as Dirk has done on the basketball court, no one can argue that he is a wonderful human being off the court as well. From meeting fans, to supporting his family, to setting up a charity, Nowitzki is one of the most likable people in the world.

For example, at #10 on the list, we have the Heroes Foundation, founded by Dirk to help underprivileged children, the Heroes organization organizes events to help bring money in for the kids. The most notable event is Dirk’s celebrity baseball game every year.

9. 53 Against Houston Dec. 2, 2004

Getting back to basketball, it would be foolish to not include Dirk’s highest single game point total in this list. In 2004, Dirk and Tracy McGrady put on a show for the ages as the two players went head to head scoring a total of 101 points between the two of them.

In the end, Dirk got the edge as he dropped 53 in route to a 113-106 overtime victory for Dallas.

Next: #8-#6