Editing Dirk Nowitzki (section)

===Dallas Mavericks (1998–2019)===
====Difficult start (1998–1999)====
Projected to be the seventh pick in the [[1998 NBA draft]], Nowitzki passed up many college offers and went directly into the NBA as a [[prep-to-pro]] player.<ref name=Sauer47>Sauer, 47</ref> The [[Milwaukee Bucks]] selected Nowitzki with the ninth pick in the draft and traded him to the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in a multi-team deal; future star point guard [[Steve Nash]] came to Dallas in the same trade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/1998-nba-draft-flashback-bucks-trade-dirk-to-mavs-for-tractor-traylor-mavs-also-trade-for-steve-nash-many-takes-ensue.html|title=1998 NBA Draft Flashback: Bucks trade Dirk to Mavs for Tractor Traylor, Mavs also trade for Steve Nash, many takes ensue|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205003620/http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/1998-nba-draft-flashback-bucks-trade-dirk-to-mavs-for-tractor-traylor-mavs-also-trade-for-steve-nash-many-takes-ensue.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nowitzki and Nash quickly became close friends.<ref name=Sauer4951>Sauer, 49–51</ref> Nowitzki became only the fourth German player in NBA history, following [[Center (basketball)|pivots]] [[Uwe Blab]] and [[Christian Welp]] and All-Star [[swingman]] [[Detlef Schrempf]], who was a 35-year-old veteran of the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] when his young compatriot arrived. Nowitzki finished his DJK career as the only Würzburg player to have ever made the NBA.<ref>[http://www.djk-wuerzburg-basketball.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=152 DJK Basketball: Wir über uns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124003957/http://www.djk-wuerzburg-basketball.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=152 |date=November 24, 2007 }}, djk-wuerzburg-basketball.de. Retrieved March 9, 2008</ref> Nowitzki was unable to continue to wear his No. 14 jersey with the Mavericks because [[Robert Pack (basketball)|Robert Pack]] was already wearing it, so he swapped the digits and wore No. 41 instead.<ref name=":0" /> 

In Dallas, Nowitzki joined a franchise which had last made the playoffs in 1990. [[Shooting guard]] [[Michael Finley]] captained the squad, supported by {{convert|7|ft|6|in|m|adj=on}} center [[Shawn Bradley]] (once a number two draft pick) and team scoring leader [[Cedric Ceballos]], an ex-Laker forward. The start of the season was delayed by the [[1998–99 NBA lockout]], which put the entire season in jeopardy. In limbo, Nowitzki returned to DJK Würzburg and played thirteen games before both sides worked out a late compromise deal that resulted in a shortened NBA schedule of only 50 games.<ref>Sauer, 54–59</ref> When the season finally started, Nowitzki struggled. Played as a [[Power forward (basketball)|power forward]] by coach [[Don Nelson]], the 20-year-old felt overpowered by the more athletic NBA forwards, was intimidated by the expectations as a number nine pick, and played bad defense; hecklers taunted him as "Irk Nowitzki", omitting the "D" which stands for "defense" in basketball slang.<ref>Sauer, 59–65</ref> He only averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 20.4 minutes of playing time.<ref name=stats>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nowitdi01.html Dirk Nowitzki Statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010113540/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nowitdi01.html |date=October 10, 2021 }}, Basketball-reference.com. Retrieved January 6, 2008</ref> Looking back, Nowitzki said: "I was so frustrated I even contemplated going back to Germany.{{nbsp}}... [the jump from Second Bundesliga to the NBA] was like jumping out of an airplane hoping the parachute would somehow open." The Mavericks only won 19 of their 50 games and missed the playoffs.<ref>Sauer, 67</ref>

===="Big Three" era (1999–2004)====
=====1999–00 season: Improving as a sophomore=====
On January 4, 2000, team owner [[Ross Perot Jr.]] sold the Mavericks to Internet billionaire [[Mark Cuban]] for $280&nbsp;million. Cuban quickly invested into the Mavericks and restructured the franchise, attending every game at the sidelines, buying the team a $46&nbsp;million [[Boeing 757]] to travel in, and increasing franchise revenues to over $100&nbsp;million. Nowitzki lauded Cuban, stating that he "created the perfect environment{{nbsp}}... we only have to go out and win."<ref>Sauer, 74–75</ref> As a result of Nelson's tutelage, Cuban's improvements and his own progress, Nowitzki significantly improved in his second season. Nowitzki averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 [[assist (basketball)|assists]] per game in 35.8 minutes.<ref name=stats/> He was voted runner-up in the [[NBA Most Improved Player Award]] behind [[Jalen Rose]], and made it into the NBA All-Star Sophomore squad.<ref name=nbabio/> The {{convert|7|ft|0|in|m|adj=on}} Nowitzki also was chosen for the [[Three-Point Contest]], becoming the tallest player ever to participate.<ref name=Sauer77>Sauer, 77</ref> While he improved on an individual level, the Mavericks missed [[2000 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] after a mediocre 40–42 season.<ref name=Sauer77/>

=====2000–01 season: First All-NBA and playoff appearances=====
In the [[2000–01 NBA season]], Nowitzki further improved his averages, recording 21.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.<ref name=stats/> As a sign of his growing importance, he joined team captain Finley as only one of two Mavericks to play and start in all 82 games, and had 10 games in which he scored at least 30 points.<ref name=nbabio/> Nowitzki became the first Maverick ever to be voted into the [[All-NBA]] squads, making the Third Team.<ref name=nbabio/> In addition, his best friend Nash became a valuable point guard, and with Finley scoring more than ever, pundits took to calling this trio the "Big Three" of the Mavericks.<ref name=Bolavip>{{cite web |url=https://us.bolavip.com/nba/nba-big-three-every-team-best-trio-since-2000-20200804-0002.html |title=NBA 'Big Three': Every team's best trio since 2000 |last=Cova |first=Ernesto |website=bolavip.com |date=May 28, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121191731/https://us.bolavip.com/nba/nba-big-three-every-team-best-trio-since-2000-20200804-0002.html |archive-date=November 21, 2020 }}</ref>

Posting a 53–29 record in the regular season,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20002001.html 2000–01 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411000024/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20002001.html |date=April 11, 2016 }}, National Basketball Association/history. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> the Mavericks reached [[2001 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] for the first time since 1990.<ref>[http://nbahoopsonline.com/History/Leagues/NBA/playoffs/teams.html Playoff Appearances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080114022409/http://nbahoopsonline.com/History/Leagues/NBA/playoffs/teams.html |date=January 14, 2008 }}, Nbahoopsonline.com. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> As the fifth seed, they were paired against the [[2000–01 Utah Jazz season|Utah Jazz]], who were led by point guard [[John Stockton]] and power forward [[Karl Malone]]. The Mavericks won the series in five games, setting up a meeting with their Texas rivals, the [[2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]].<ref name=Sauer8990>Sauer, 89–90</ref> The Mavericks lost the first three games of the series, and Nowitzki fell ill with the flu and later lost a tooth after a collision with Spurs guard [[Terry Porter]]. After a Game 4 win, Nowitzki scored 42 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in Game 5, but could not prevent a deciding 105–87 loss.<ref>Sauer, 92</ref>

=====2001–02 season: First All-Star selection=====
Prior to the [[2001–02 NBA season]], Nowitzki signed a six-year, $90&nbsp;million contract extension, which made him the second-highest-paid German athlete after [[Formula One]] champion [[Michael Schumacher]].<ref>Sauer, 93–94</ref> He continued to improve, averaging 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Nowitzki was voted into the All-NBA Second Team and into his first All-Star Game.<ref name=stats/> After making [[2002 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] with a 57–25 record,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20012002.html 2001–02 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523144850/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20012002.html |date=May 23, 2010 }}, National Basketball Association/history. Retrieved January 5, 2008</ref> the Mavericks swept [[Kevin Garnett]] and the [[2001–02 Minnesota Timberwolves season|Minnesota Timberwolves]] in the first round; Nowitzki averaged 33.3 points per game.<ref>Sauer, 103</ref> In the second round, the Mavericks met the [[2001–02 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento Kings]] and rival power forward [[Chris Webber]]. After splitting the first two games, Kings coach [[Rick Adelman]] changed his defensive scheme, assigning [[Hedo Türkoğlu]] to cover Nowitzki. Türkoğlu would use his agility to play Nowitzki tightly, and if the taller Maverick tried to post up Türkoğlu, Webber would [[double team]] Nowitzki.<ref name=Sauer104>Sauer, 104</ref> In Game 3 in Dallas, the Mavericks lost, 125–119; Nowitzki scored only 19 points and said: "I simply could not pass Türkoğlu, and if I did, I ran into a double team and committed too many turnovers."<ref name=Sauer104/> In Game 4, Nowitzki missed two potentially game-deciding jump shots, and the Mavericks lost, 115–113, at home. In Game 5, the Mavericks were eliminated, 114–101.<ref>Sauer, 105</ref> However, Nowitzki received a consolation award: the ''[[Gazzetta dello Sport]]'' voted him as "European Basketballer of the Year", his 104 votes lifting him over second-placed [[Dejan Bodiroga]] (54) and Stojakovic (50).<ref>Sauer, 106</ref>

=====2002–03 season: First Western Conference Finals appearance=====
Before the [[2002–03 NBA season]], Don Nelson and Mark Cuban put more emphasis on defense, specializing in a zone anchored by prolific shotblockers [[Raef LaFrentz]] and [[Shawn Bradley]]. The Mavericks won their first fourteen games, and Finley, Nash and Nowitzki were voted "Western Conference Players of the Month" in November 2002.<ref>Sauer, 108–109</ref> In that season, Nowitzki lifted his averages again, now scoring 25.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.<ref name=stats/> He led the Mavericks to a franchise-high 60–22 record, which earned them the third seed: as a result, the Mavericks had to play sixth seed [[2002–03 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] in the [[2003 NBA Playoffs]].<ref>Sauer, 112</ref> Now playing in a best-of-seven series instead of the former best-of-five, the Mavericks quickly won the first three games, but then completely lost their rhythm and the next three. In Game 7, Nowitzki hit a clutch three to make it 100–94 with 1:21 left and the Mavericks won 107–95. "This was the most important basket of my career", he later said, "I was not prepared to go on vacation that early."<ref name=Sauer114>Sauer, 114</ref> In the next round, the Mavericks met the Kings again, and the series went seven games. Nowitzki delivered a clutch performance in Game 7; he scored 30 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and played strong defense, leading the Mavericks to a series-deciding 112–99 win.<ref name=Sauer114/> In the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks met the Spurs again. In Game 3, Nowitzki went up for a rebound and Spurs guard [[Manu Ginóbili]] collided with his knee, forcing him out of the series. Without their top scorer, the Mavericks ultimately lost in six games.<ref name=Sauer117>Sauer, 117</ref>

=====2003–04 season: Playoff disappointment=====
After Dallas traded starting center [[Raef LaFrentz]] to Boston for forward [[Antoine Walker]], Nelson decided to start Nowitzki at center.<ref>Sauer, 118–119</ref> To cope with his more physical role, Nowitzki put on {{convert|20|lb|abbr=on}} of muscle mass over summer, sacrificed part of his agility, and put more emphasis on defense rather than scoring.<ref>Sauer, 119</ref> Nowitzki's averages fell for the first time in his career, dropping to 21.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game,<ref name=stats/> but he still led the Mavericks in scoring, rebounding, steals (1.2 spg) and blocks (1.35 bpg).<ref name=nbabio/> These figures earned him nominations for the All-Star Game and the All-NBA Third Team.<ref name=stats/> Compiling a 52–30 record, the Mavericks met their familiar rivals the [[2003–04 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento Kings]] in the playoffs once again, but were eliminated in five games.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=240429023 Bibby hits for 36, Nowitzki misses at buzzer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050926002205/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=240429023 |date=September 26, 2005 }}, ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref>

====Franchise player (2004–2010)====
[[File:Dirk nowitzki mavs.jpg|thumb|right|Nowitzki (#41) was the face of the Mavericks franchise from 2004 to 2019.]]

=====2004–05 season: First All-NBA First Team selection=====
Before the [[2004–05 NBA season]], the Mavericks were re-tooled again. Center [[Erick Dampier]] was acquired from the [[Golden State Warriors]] in an eight-player trade.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2004/08/25/dampier-going-to-mavericks-as-part-of-eight-player-trade-with-warriors/dff4d97e-7b9d-454d-887b-0ac537a0af2f/ |title=Dampier Going to Mavericks as Part of Eight-Player Trade With Warriors |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 25, 2004 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121175144/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2004/08/25/dampier-going-to-mavericks-as-part-of-eight-player-trade-with-warriors/dff4d97e-7b9d-454d-887b-0ac537a0af2f/ |archive-date=January 21, 2019 }}</ref> Also, Nowitzki's close friend and fellow international teammate [[Steve Nash]] left Dallas and returned to the [[Phoenix Suns]] as a [[free agent]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/nash_release_040714.html|title=Suns Sign Steve Nash|website=Phoenix Suns|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121180957/https://www.nba.com/suns/news/nash_release_040714.html|url-status=live}}</ref> going on to win two Most Valuable Player awards with the Suns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2436205|title=Nash wins MVP award for second straight year|date=May 7, 2006|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115132523/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2436205|url-status=live}}</ref> During the season, long-time head coach Don Nelson resigned, and his assistant [[Avery Johnson]] took on head coaching duties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2016984|title=Nelson resigns; Avery takes over Mavericks|date=March 19, 2005|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115132531/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2016984|url-status=live}}</ref> In the midst of these changes, Nowitzki stepped up his game and averaged 26.1 points a game (a career high) and 9.7 rebounds; and his 1.5 blocks and 3.1 assists were also career-high numbers.<ref name=stats/> On December 2, 2004, Nowitzki scored 53 points in an overtime win against the [[Houston Rockets]], a career best.<ref name=nbabio/> Nowitzki was voted to the All-NBA First Team for the first time.<ref name=stats/> He also placed third in the league's [[Most valuable player|MVP]] voting, behind Nash and [[Shaquille O'Neal]].

However, the Mavericks had a subpar [[2005 NBA Playoffs]] campaign. In the first round, Dallas met [[Houston Rockets]] scoring champion [[Tracy McGrady]] and {{height|ft=7|in=6|}} center [[Yao Ming]]. The Rockets took a 2–0 series lead before the Mavericks won three games in a row. After losing Game 6, Dallas won Game 7 convincingly and won the series even though Nowitzki struggled with his shooting.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20050507/HOUDAL/recap.html Mavericks Cruise Past Rockets in Game 7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310185201/http://www.nba.com/games/20050507/HOUDAL/recap.html |date=March 10, 2008 }}, National Basketball Association, May 7, 2006. Retrieved January 19, 2008</ref> In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the Mavericks met the Phoenix Suns, the new club of Nash. They split the first four games before the Suns won the last two games. In Game 6, which the Mavericks lost in overtime, Nowitzki was not at his best: he scored 28 points, but also sank only 9 of his 25 field goal attempts<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20050520/PHODAL/boxscore.html NBA Western Conference Semi Finals, Game 6, Suns 130 @ Mavericks 126] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822080756/http://www.nba.com/games/20050520/PHODAL/boxscore.html |date=August 22, 2009 }}, National Basketball Association, May 20, 2005. Retrieved January 19, 2008</ref> and missed all five of his shots in overtime.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20050520/PHODAL/recap.html Nash Crashes Mavs' Party; Suns Advance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217232035/http://www.nba.com/games/20050520/PHODAL/recap.html |date=December 17, 2007 }}, National Basketball Association, May 20, 2005. Retrieved January 19, 2008</ref>

=====2005–06 season: First NBA Finals appearance=====
Prior to the [[2005–06 NBA season]], veteran Mavericks captain [[Michael Finley]] was waived,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2135039|title=Amnesty day: Mavs waive Finley|date=August 15, 2005|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115132600/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2135039|url-status=live}}</ref> leaving Nowitzki as the last player remaining from the Mavericks' "Big Three" of Nash, Finley, and himself. Nowitzki averaged 26.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during the season. Not only was this his third 2,000-point season, but his scoring average of 26.6 points was highest ever by a European.<ref name=stats/> He improved his shooting percentage, setting personal season records in [[field goal percentage|field goals]] (48.0%), [[three-pointer|three-point]] shots (40.6%) and [[free throw]]s (90.1%).<ref name=stats/> During the 2006 All-Star Weekend in [[Houston]], Nowitzki scored 18 points to defeat [[Seattle SuperSonics]] guard [[Ray Allen]] and [[Washington Wizards]] guard [[Gilbert Arenas]] in the Three-Point Contest.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/three_point/ Dirk's Daggers Light Up Houston] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321134750/http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/three_point/ |date=March 21, 2010 }}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref>

Nowitzki paced Dallas to a 60-win season. The team finished with the third-best record in the league behind the defending champion [[San Antonio Spurs]] and the defending Eastern Conference champion [[Detroit Pistons]].<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/standings?season=2006 NBA Standings&nbsp;– 2005–2006], ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> As in the 2004–05 season, he finished third in the league's MVP voting, this time behind Nash and [[LeBron James]]. He was again elected to the first team All-NBA squad.<ref name=stats/> Nowitzki averaged 27.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the playoffs.<ref name=stats/> In the opening round, the Mavericks swept the [[Memphis Grizzlies]], 4–0, with Nowitzki making a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds of Game 3 which tied the game and forced overtime. In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the Mavericks played against the San Antonio Spurs again. After splitting the first six games, the Mavericks took a 20-point lead in Game 7 before Spur [[Manu Ginóbili]] broke a tie at 101 by hitting a 3 with 30 seconds left. On the next play, Nowitzki completed a three-point play, which tied the game at 104. In the end, the Mavericks won, 119–111, and Nowitzki ended the game with 37 points and 15 rebounds.<ref name=damp>[http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html Nowitzki, Mavericks Outlast and Dethrone Spurs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321160024/http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html |date=March 21, 2010 }}, National Basketball Association, May 22, 2006. Retrieved January 7, 2007</ref> Nowitzki commented: "I don't know how the ball went in. Manu hit my hand. It was a lucky bounce."<ref name=damp/> The Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they again met the Suns. Nowitzki scored a playoff career high 50 points to lead the Mavericks to a victory in the crucial Game 5 with the series tied at 2;<ref>{{cite news |last=Matange |first=Yash |date=June 1, 2020 |title=This Date in NBA History (June 1): Dirk Nowitzki goes off for 50 points in pivotal Game 5 win vs Suns in 2006 Western Conference Finals |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/dallas-mavericks/news/this-date-in-nba-history-june-1-dirk-nowitzki-goes-off-for-playoff-career-high-50-points-in-pivotal-game-5-vs-suns-in-2006-western-conference-finals/1u4hm4t3pxh101sflnqkmliyej |work=[[Sporting News]] |location= |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref> the Mavericks won the series in six games and faced the [[Miami Heat]] in the [[2006 NBA Finals]]. A content Nowitzki commented: "We've been a good road team all season long, we believed in each other. We went through some ups and downs this season, but the playoffs are all about showing heart and playing together."<ref name=phx2006>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260603021 Comeback win vaults Mavs into NBA Finals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510004328/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260603021 |date=May 10, 2007 }}, ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> Of Nowitzki's performance, [[ESPN]] columnist [[Bill Simmons]] wrote, "Dirk is playing at a higher level than any forward since [[Larry Bird|[Larry] Bird]]."<ref>Simmons, Bill, [https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060602 "Time to put Dirk in Pantheon"], ESPN. Retrieved January 19, 2008</ref>

The Mavericks took an early 2–0 Finals lead, but then gave away a late 15-point lead in a Game 3 loss.<ref name=game3>[http://www.nba.com/games/20060613/DALMIA/playbyplay.html Dallas Mavericks @ Miami Heat, NBA Finals Game 3, Play-by-Play] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321160916/http://www.nba.com/games/20060613/DALMIA/playbyplay.html |date=March 21, 2010 }}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> Nowitzki only made 20 of his last 55 shots in the final three games as the Mavericks lost the Finals series, 4–2, to the Heat. The German was criticized by ESPN as "clearly{{nbsp}}... not as his best this series" and remarked: "That was a tough loss (in Game 3) and that really changed the whole momentum of the series."<ref name=heat2006>[http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html Wade Leads Heat to First NBA Championship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201120130/http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html |date=December 1, 2010 }}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref>

=====2006–07 season: NBA MVP and franchise record in wins=====
In the [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07 season]], Nowitzki shot a career-best 50.2% from the field, recorded averages of 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists,<ref name=stats/> and led the Mavericks to a franchise-high 67 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference in the [[2007 NBA Playoffs]].<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/standings?season=2007 NBA Standings&nbsp;– 2006–2007], ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> He averaged 50% from the field, 40% for three-pointers, and 90% from the free-throw line, becoming (at the time) only the fifth player in NBA history to join the [[50–40–90 club]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Yas|last=Mantage|title=NBA's 50-40-90 club: Which players have achieved the shooting feat?|date=August 25, 2021|work=Sporting News|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/nba-50-40-90-club-list-all-players-recorded-elite-shooting-feat-nash-curry-bird-durant/nyu9jk39xa731dlqber3gv2rr|access-date=February 28, 2025}}</ref> Nowitzki was touted as the overwhelming favorite for the Most Valuable Player award and was expected to lead the Mavericks to an easy win against the eighth-seed [[Golden State Warriors]], despite the Warriors having won all three regular-season meetings against Dallas. However, the Mavericks ended up losing to the Warriors in six games, marking the first time a No. 8 seed had beaten the No. 1 seed in a best-of-seven series in NBA history.<ref name=warriorshistory>[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s1.html Warriors Make History, Close Out Mavs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210225136/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s1.html |date=February 10, 2011 }}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> In the clinching Game 6, Nowitzki shot just 2–13 from the field for only eight points.<ref name=warriorshistory/> Defended by [[Stephen Jackson]], Nowitzki averaged nearly five points less than his regular-season average in that series and shot 38.3% from the field as compared to 50.2% during the regular season.<ref name=stats/> He described that loss as a low point in his career: "This series, I couldn't put my stamp on it the way I wanted to. That's why I'm very disappointed."<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2859854 Nowitzki stumbles to 2-for-13 shooting in Game 6], ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> In spite of this historic playoffs loss, Nowitzki was named the NBA's regular-season Most Valuable Player and beat his friend and back-to-back NBA MVP Nash with more than 100 votes. He also became the first European player in NBA history to receive the honor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/news/dirkmvp_2007.html |title=Dirk Nowitzki Wins 2006–07 MVP Award |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=May 15, 2007 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315161923/http://www.nba.com/news/dirkmvp_2007.html |archive-date=March 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=====2007–08 season: First triple-double=====
[[File:Dirkn.jpg|thumb|Nowitzki, 2008]]
The [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08 campaign]] saw another first-round playoff exit for Nowitzki and the Mavericks. Despite a mid-season trade that brought veteran NBA All-Star [[Jason Kidd]] to Dallas, the Mavericks finished seventh in a highly competitive Western Conference. Nowitzki averaged 23.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a career-high 3.5 assists for the season.<ref name=playoff08>[http://www.nba.com/games/20080429/DALNOH/recap.html Paul's Triple-Double Helps Hornets Oust Mavericks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822080812/http://www.nba.com/games/20080429/DALNOH/recap.html |date=August 22, 2009 }}, National Basketball Association, April 29, 2008. Retrieved May 9, 2008</ref> In [[2008 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], they faced rising star [[Chris Paul]]'s [[New Orleans Hornets]], and were eliminated in five games.<ref name=playoff08/> The playoff loss led to the firing of Avery Johnson as head coach and the eventual hiring of [[Rick Carlisle]]. The few positive highlights that season for Nowitzki were his first career triple-double against the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] on February 6, 2008, with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 12 assists, and on March 8, 2008 (34 points against the [[New Jersey Nets]]), when he surpassed [[Rolando Blackman]] with his 16,644th point to become the Mavericks' all-time career points leader.<ref>Aron, Jaime, [http://www.nba.com/games/20080308/NJNDAL/recap.html "Nets Slapped with Fifth Straight Loss"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822080806/http://www.nba.com/games/20080308/NJNDAL/recap.html |date=August 22, 2009 }}, National Basketball Association, March 8, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2008</ref>

=====2008–09 season: Playoff upset=====
The [[2008–09 NBA season]] saw Nowitzki finish with averages of 25.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was fourth in the league in scoring, and garnered his fourth [[All-NBA First Team]] selection. He also made the 2009 All-Star game, his eighth appearance. Nowitzki led Dallas to a tight finish towards the [[2009 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]], finishing 50–32 for the season (6th in the West), after a slow 2–7 start. In the playoffs, the German led Dallas to an upset win over long-time rival San Antonio (the third seed), winning the first-round series, 4–1. The Mavericks, however, fell short against the [[Denver Nuggets]], 4–1, in the second round, with Nowitzki averaging 34.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4 assists in the series.

=====2009–10 season: 20,000 points=====
The Mavericks finished the [[2009–10 NBA season]] as the second seed for the [[2010 NBA Playoffs]]. Notable additions to the squad were multiple All-Stars [[Shawn Marion]] and [[Caron Butler]], with the latter coming in the second half of the season. On January 13, 2010, Nowitzki became the 34th player in NBA history—and the first European—to hit the 20,000-point milestone, while ending the regular season with averages of 25 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1 block. He was selected to the 2010 All-Star Game, his ninth appearance. The Mavericks faced off against San Antonio once more in the first round of the playoffs, but for the third time in four seasons, they failed to progress to the next round. Nowitzki became a free agent after the season, but signed a four-year, $80&nbsp;million deal to remain in Dallas.<ref>Stein, Marc, [https://www.espn.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5352960 "Advisor: Dirk, Mavs agree to deal"], ESPN, July 4, 2010. Retrieved July 5, 2010</ref>

====Championship season (2010–2011)====
[[File:Nowitzki-v-wizards1.jpg|thumb|Nowitzki posting up [[Rashard Lewis]] in 2011]]
Prior to the [[2010–11 NBA season|2010–11]] season, the Mavericks traded for center [[Tyson Chandler]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5377055|title=Mavs get Chandler from Cats in 5-player deal|date=July 13, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 11, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418033346/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5377055|url-status=live}}</ref> Nowitzki was injured in the middle of the season, but finished the regular season with averages of 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Despite missing nine games, Nowitzki was selected to the All-Star Game for the tenth time. The Mavericks defeated Portland in the first round of the playoffs and swept the two-time defending champion Lakers in the Conference Semifinals. In the Conference Finals, they faced the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] and their All-NBA duo of [[Kevin Durant]] and [[Russell Westbrook]]. In Game 1, Nowitzki scored 48 points and set an NBA record of 24 consecutive free throws made in a game as well as a record for most free throws in a game without a miss. In Game 4, with Dallas leading the series 2–1, Nowitzki scored 40 points to rally his team from a 99–84 fourth-quarter deficit to a 112–105 overtime victory. Dallas won the Western Conference title in Game Five.

In the [[2011 NBA Finals]], Dallas once again faced the Miami Heat, which had acquired All-Stars [[LeBron James]] and [[Chris Bosh]] before the season began. During a Game 1 loss in Miami, Nowitzki tore a tendon in his left middle finger; however, MRIs were negative, and Nowitzki vowed that the injury would not be a factor. In Game 2, he led a Dallas rally from an 88–73 fourth-quarter deficit, making a driving left-handed layup over Bosh to tie the series at 1. Miami took a 2–1 series lead after Nowitzki missed a potential game-tying shot at the end of Game 3. Despite carrying a {{convert|101|°F|°C|abbr=on}} fever in Game 4, he hit the winning basket to tie the series yet again at 2, evoking comparisons to [[Michael Jordan]]'s "Flu Game" against Utah in the [[1997 NBA Finals]]. Dallas went on to win the next two games, with Nowitzki scoring 10 fourth-quarter points in the series-clinching game in Miami. The championship was the first in the history of the franchise.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-06-12-mavericks-heat-game-6_N.htm?csp=ipmps Mavericks finish off Heat 4–2 as Dallas wins its first NBA title] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623060823/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-06-12-mavericks-heat-game-6_N.htm?csp=ipmps |date=June 23, 2011 }}, ''USA Today'', June 13, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011</ref> Nowitzki was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/6/12/2220926/dirk-nowitzki-nba-finals-mvp-2011-dallas-mavericks-miami-heat|title=Dirk Nowitzki Named 2011 NBA Finals MVP After Mavericks Beat Heat For Championship|first=Tom|last=Ziller|date=June 12, 2011|website=SBNation.com|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126113903/https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/6/12/2220926/dirk-nowitzki-nba-finals-mvp-2011-dallas-mavericks-miami-heat|url-status=live}}</ref>