Dirk Nowitzki Video: See Dirk Beat the Heat in Game 4 of NBA Finals

There's a Dirk Nowitzki video making the rounds of the sports world today after the big German carried the Dallas Mavericks to an 86-83 win with a stellar late layup in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night. 

With just under 20 seconds left, the Mavs were clinging to an 82-81 lead. Dirk had the ball in a familiar position at the top of the key, posting up undersized defender Udonis Haslem. After debating what to do for a moment, Nowitzki pivoted and blasted past Haslem, driving to the hoop as commentator Jeff Van Gundy screamed in his angry voice about how he was going too soon to the basket. 

Of course, by the time he elevated to take the layup, virtually everyone watching the game knew it was going in.

Naturally, the shot dropped and gave the Mavs an 84-81 lead with 14.4 seconds to go, and it would prove to be the game-winning basket. The crowd exploded, as they've been eager to see the Mavs take a win from the Heat in Dallas, and Dirk had provided them with a chance for just that. 

Dirk finished with 21 points on the night, which seems rather pedestrian (considering the tear he's been on in this postseason) until you consider the fact that the big German was exhibiting flu-like symptoms and had a temperature of 101 prior to tipoff.

Even more impressive was the fact that Dirk managed to key the Mavs rally once again down the stretch, scoring 10 of those 21 points in the fourth quarter to push Dallas over the top and even this series at 2-2. 

Frankly, this was just what Dirk and the Mavs needed to do on this play. Nothing fancy, just give Dirk the ball and let him do what he does best: get to the basket and score.

Fortunately for them, he didn't disappoint, blowing past Haslem, who defended him like he was scared of catching whatever was ailing the big German and allowing the clutch layup.