Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki at 2011 championship trophy celebration

Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks led by Dirk Nowitzki defeated LeBron James and the Miami Heat to win the NBA title in 2011. Relive Dirk at the trophy celebration here.

The Dallas Mavericks accomplished the unthinkable in 2011. Dirk Nowitzki was in the midst of his prime, but the Mavs could not quite put the team together to win a ring up until that point.

The Tall Baller from the G led them to the finals in 2006 before falling to Dwyane Wade and the Heat. The Mavericks lost in the first round of the playoffs three of the next four seasons including 2010 when they were the second seed.

The Mavs entered the 2011 playoffs as the third seed. They beat the Trail Blazers four games to two in the first round. Dallas swept Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in the second round. Then, came a matchup against the Thunder. This was the Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook era in Oklahoma City, but the Mavs lost just one game in the series.

The only thing standing between the Mavericks and a championship was once again the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade was joined by LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2011. It was their first season after forming their big three. The Heat entered the series as massive favorites to win the title as well.

Dirk triumphs

Dirk Nowitzki would not be denied, though. He went on to average 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game during the six finals games. Nowitzki brought a title to Dallas. He was overcome with emotions as the clinching game wound down. Here is Dirk after he returned to the court for the trophy celebration.

Dallas Mavericks fans will always love and cherish those moments. Nowitzki went from superstar to legend in the 2011 playoffs. Supporters can always relive the events now.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki brought the team and the city a championship in 2011. It will forever be a memorable time for Dallas fans.

The Mavericks are hoping Luka Doncic can also bring the team a title during his illustrious career. He is not there yet, but Luka had a historic rookie season. The 20-year-old is hoping to be an All-Star for the first time next year. The sky is the limit for Doncic, and Mavs fans are rightfully excited about the future.

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