Dallas Mavericks: The 41 greatest moments of Dirk Nowitzki’s career

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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 13: Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks is greeted by thousands of fans after winning the 2010 – 2011 NBA Championship on June 13, 2011 at Love Field 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 2011 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Passing Wilt Chamberlain

This put Dirk in as the 6th All-Time scorer in NBA history, with some of the best to ever play the game ahead of him. Dirk earned his way all the way up that list, and although he never made it all the way into the top 5, his achievements on the court are unmatched by almost any other player in league history.

4. NBA Finals MVP 2011

Dirk was the best player on the best team in the league in 2011 and it showed as he took home the Finals MVP award after knocking off the Miami Heat in six games. This award was truly something special as it was maybe the final step in fighting off the narrative that Dirk was soft and unable to get his team over the hump. Only a few things top this amazing moment.

3. NBA MVP 2007

In 2007, there was not one single basketball player in the world better than Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk went from the soft European that could never lead a team to success, to the NBA MVP and the leader of a 67-win team in less than 10 years. Although things did not turn out great for Dallas that year, there is no denying his greatness during that season.

2. Hoisting the 2011 Larry O’Brien Trophy

For Dirk, the MVP season and the Finals MVP were great, but the most important thing to him was bringing home that big trophy to a championship-starved city of Dallas, who hadn’t seen success from any of their sports franchises in so long. Dirk is a true Texan and Dallas native and this trophy meant more to him than almost anything.

1. Dirk in action in the community

When Dirk looks back on his last 21 years, he will remember some of his accomplishments. He will remember hoisting that trophy and the countless awards and achievements that accompanied him in Dallas, but I believe the things he will remember the best are the days he spent with the children who need help in the area. This video in particular is one of the most telling things about who Dirk is as a man. And this is the greatest achievement in Dirk’s legacy.

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I have loved celebrating Dirk’s career over the past couple decades. He has done some things that no one else could ever do, and he did it all in Dallas. Dirk is the greatest athlete to ever come through Dallas, and he is one of the greatest people to call this place home, period. We will miss you, Dirk, but we look forward to seeing what’s next.

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