HOF Highlights: Re-Watch Every Dirk Bucket From 2011 Finals
This week, as we continue to Dirk Nowitzki's many accomplishments leading up to his Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement on Saturday night, there will always be one feat that sticks out more than the rest – the 2011 NBA Finals, where Nowitzki put on an MVP performance to help the Dallas Mavericks secure their first title in franchise history over LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.
During that epic series, Nowitzki averaged 26.0 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting 36.8 percent from deep, including a handful of clutch moments. Nowitzki even battled through having a 102-degree fever in Game 4 when the Mavs were down 2-1 – something Wade and James infamously mocked after Dallas tied the series.
Despite being sick, Nowitzki battled his way to 21 points and 11 rebounds in that must-win game, including a clutch layup in the finals moments to help Dallas secure an 86-83 win.
The Mavs went on to win the 2011 Finals in six games over the Heat, and Nowitzki was a +40 in the boxscore plus/minus for the series. He secured his first title and Finals MVP award, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in league history. Nowitzki would've been viewed favorably regardless, but having that title just means more.
"MVP means nothing," said Nowitzki fresh off winning the title. He won the 2007 league MVP after being upset by the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors in the first round. "Championship means everything."
Relive every single Dirk bucket from the 2011 NBA Finals right here:
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