NBA: Dirk Nowitzki Is Only One Game Away from Achieving His Ultimate Dream

Only one win away from being crowned NBA Champions for the 2011 season, Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks head to Miami for an exciting Game 6 at American Airlines Arena.

Nowitzki has without a doubt been the most impressive player this postseason, averaging 28.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 2.6 APG, while shooting 51.2 percent from three-point range and 94.0 percent from the free throw line. 

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade may have been mocking Dirk and his illness in the post-game interviews of Game 4, but a determined Nowitzki will do all he can to have the final laugh.  

“I just thought it was a little childish, a little ignorant,” said Nowitzki in a Saturday press conference. “I’ve been in this league for 13 years. I’ve never faked an injury or illness before.”  

Dirk has been doing everything necessary to win the first NBA Championship of his 13-year career, from lights-out shooting to his remarkable performances from the free throw line.  “We’re one win away from my dream, what I’ve worked on for half my life,” Nowitzki said. “This is really all I’m worried about.”

Since Dirk entered the league in 1998, he has reached the playoffs 11 out of 13 times.  Nowitzki failed to reach the postseason for the first two years of his professional career, but has made the playoffs every year since. He has made the Mavericks into one of the most consistent franchises in the NBA, amongst the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.

From Jason Kidd to Jason Terry, Nowitzki has a very impressive supporting cast.  Terry has seven years of playoff experience alongside Dirk, while Kidd has made the playoffs every year since 1997, also playing in two other finals series when he was a member of the New Jersey Nets.

This tremendous experience that many players on Dallas possess, may be the competitive edge that lifts the Mavericks over the heavily favored Miami Heat for their first NBA Title.  

Game 6 Prediction: Dallas 97 - Miami 96 

In a series that has so far been full of excitement, expect the Mavericks to close out the Miami Heat on the road in another nail-biter.  

Written by Chris Faig for Unfamiliar Luminary (www.unfamiliarluminary.com).