Dallas Mavericks · Franchise era 3 of 5
Dirk's climb to the title: the Dallas Mavericks story
Franchise era
1998–99—2010–11
Dirk's climb to the title
Dallas Mavericks
The story in one sentence
Nowitzki became an MVP and perennial contender, then completed one of the sport's great redemption runs with the 2011 championship.
Shooting changes the geometry of power forward
Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Jason Terry gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the late-dirk bridge.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1998–99
What came before
A prolonged collapse produced a gifted young trio, but injuries and conflict prevented it from becoming a lasting foundation.
2006
Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
2006
NBA Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat
2011
NBA Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat
After 2010–11
What came next
Dallas cycled through short-term casts around Nowitzki while protecting the continuity of his record-setting career.
The core