Over four years have passed since the Dallas Mavericks made it to the NBA Finals in 2006. Many now feel that year was the best shot Dirk Nowitzki ever had—or ever will have—at a title.
The Mavs were up two games to zero when the series and momentum shifted to Miami. The Heat went on to win the next four games and the championship.
It makes sense to question the legitimacy of that title when you consider that Dwyane Wade averaged 16.2 free throw attempts per game for the series. The officials seemed willing to hand the series to Wade at the free throw line.
Nevertheless, the Mavs were two wins away from a title and they haven't been anywhere near that close ever since.
The following season, Nowitzki won the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award and Dallas went a league-best 67-15. It looked as though no team would be able to stop the Mavs on their quest for redemption.
Then came along the Golden State Warriors. Led by Baron Davis and former Dallas head coach Don Nelson, the Warriors became the first eighth seeded team to beat the top seed in a seven game series.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Andrew Bailey
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October 1st, 2010 by Andrew Bailey Leave a reply »
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