Posted Jun 13 2011 6:25AM
MIAMI (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki has been named MVP of the NBA finals for his huge role in leading the Dallas Mavericks to their first championship.
Although Nowitzki struggled in the Game 6 clincher, he certainly put them in position to win it all, overcoming injury and illness to power fourth-quarter comebacks from deficits of 12, nine and four points in Dallas' previous wins.
The 2007 league MVP won Game 2 with a left-handed layup despite having torn a tendon in the tip of his left middle finger in Game 1.
He scored 10 of his 21 points in the final period of Game 4 despite playing with a 101-degree fever because of a sinus infection.
In Game 5, his driving dunk in the final minutes put Dallas ahead for good.
 | Griffin's Big-Time Slam Blake Griffin takes the pass and finishes with a big-time slam. |
 | Griffin Collides With Ginobili Blake Griffin collides with Manu Ginobili during the second quarter of Game 4. |
 | Spurs vs. Clippers: First half Tony Parker and Tim Duncan combine for 15 points as the Spurs lead the Clippers 51-47 at the half. |
 | Splitter Finishes With Authority Tony Parker throws a nice pass to Tiago Splitter, who finishes with authority. |
 | Williams Sinks A Tough Shot Mo Williams goes coast-to-coast, gets fouled and drains a circus shot. |
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