The team that prevented LeBron from capturing a title in his first year with the Miami Heat had Dirk Nowitzki and a cast of seasoned veterans, including Shawn Marion and Brendan Haywood. However, it was Nowitzki’s dual ability to provide scoring and rebounding that was the focal point of the title run.
Teammate Tyson Chandler actually led the team in rebounding, but his scoring paled next to Nowitzki. The true value of Nowitzki came in the Finals, when the Mavericks ran off three straight wins to capture the title, led by Nowitzki’s 26-point scoring average that helped him win series MVP honors.
Next: 2010 Los Angeles Lakers
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