The Smoking Cuban
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40 moments to celebrate Dirk Nowitzki’s 40th birthday

By Jasmyn Wimbish

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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11. MVP season

DALLAS – May 15: Dirk Nowitzki (2nd L) of the Dallas Mavericks poses with the NBA MVP trophy and Mark Cuban (L), David Stern (2nd R) and Avery Johnson at the American Airlines Center on May 15, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – May 15: Dirk Nowitzki (2nd L) of the Dallas Mavericks poses with the NBA MVP trophy and Mark Cuban (L), David Stern (2nd R) and Avery Johnson at the American Airlines Center on May 15, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

When Dirk won the NBA MVP award in 2007 it was finally validation for Mavericks fans. Everyone around the league was finally recognizing what all of us already knew: Dirk was a superstar. During his MVP season Nowitzki averaged 24.6 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Not to mention an even greater accomplishment that is likely the reason he won the award, but more on that below.

12. 50-40-90 club

The prestigious 50-40-90 club. Nowitzki managed to average 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line throughout the 2006-07 season in which he won MVP. The accomplishment alone is something only five other NBA players have accomplished, but for a seven footer to do? That’s historic.

13. First-career triple-double vs. Bucks

It isn’t everyday that seven-footers walk around getting triple-doubles, and it was a rare occurrence for even Dirk. In February of 2008 Nowitzki recorded his first-career triple double, with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. It’s hard to believe that it took him 10 years to get this milestone, but nevertheless watching Nowitzki getting his teammates involved and crashing the boards will never get old.

14. Triple-double vs. Nuggets in 2010

Two years later Dirk got his second triple double, and this one may be the more memorable one simply for the fact that Nowitzki put on a shooting clinic from beyond the arc, and well from everywhere else on the court. Finishing with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists Dirk shot 80 percent from beyond the arc, and 41.2 percent from the field.

15. Championship playoffs run

In 2011 when the Mavericks won their first NBA championship not only was it a historic moment for the franchise, it was a monumental moment for Dirk. Until this point many thought that Nowitzki would be added to the long list of NBA greats who never captured a ring.

After losing the 2006 NBA title many thought Dirk wouldn’t get another chance to check this box on his resume, but of course they were wrong.

The Mavericks weren’t favored in any series in their title run. Dirk averaged 27.3 points in the first round against Portland. In the second round, the Mavericks swept the Lakers with Nowitzki averaging 25.3 points in the series. After reaching the Western Conference Finals for only the fourth time in franchise history, it was clear that Dirk was on a mission.

Next: Dirk's greatest moments: 16-20

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