2011 Dallas Fairy Tale: Nowitzki’s One-Man Crown

2011 was the NBA’s "everyman fairy tale." Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas (then the Mavericks) past the James-Wade-Bosh Heat 4-2 for the franchise’s first championship.

It was a true one-core title: Nowitzki was the only All-Star-level star, surrounded by vets (Kidd, Terry, Chandler). He averaged 26+ and was unstoppable, the uncontested Finals MVP.

The title broke the bias that "international players can’t carry a championship" and gave Dallas its hero. When Dirk wept in the locker room, the German doubted for thirteen years was finally legendary.

Basketball is not only talent’s game but perseverance’s reward. Dirk’s 2011 is its best footnote.

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• 2011 NBA Finals MVP: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
• Nowitzki's Finals MVP Glory Moment
• Dirk Nowitzki: Hard Work and Role Model
• 2007 NBA MVP: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
• Dirk Nowitzki: Glory and Idol— The German Who Raised the Rim Above His Head