Miami, FL (AHN Sports)
Jason Terry dropped 27 points and Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 to lead the Dallas Mavericks to their first ever NBA title with a 105-95 Game 6 victory over the Miami Heat Sunday at American Airlines Arena.
Terry's efficient offense was on display the entire game, going 11-for-16 from the field and 2-for-4 from the foul line.
Terry even teamed up with a hot-shooting J.J Barea to carry the Mavs offense in the early part of the game as Nowitzki struggled to find his strokes in the first half.
Barea, who served as an x-factor for the Mavs in the series, finished with 15 points and 5 dimes in the title-clinching game.
Nowitzki, on the other hand, found his rhythm in the second half and gathered 10 of his total points in the fourth quarter to help the Mavs put away the Heat for good.
The 7-foot German gunner also captured the Finals MVP Trophy after averaging 27.0 points and 9.4 boards in the series with the Heat.
Jason Kidd, who scored 9 points and 8 dimes in the night, finally reached his dream of winning NBA title after an incredible 17-year journey.
Heat forward LeBron James led his team with 21 points but the two-time MVP once again shrank down the stretch after an explosive first quarter.
Dwyane Wade chipped in 17 points and Chris Bosh - who broke in tears on his way to the locker room - chalked up 19 points and 8 boards in the losing effort.
Just like the rest of the series, Game 6 saw furious runs from both teams.
The Mavs even built a 12-point advantage in some point of the first half, but the Heat quickly erased the deficit on a 14-0 burst.
Terry, who's been terrific off the bench in the final three games, scored the last nine points for his team in the first half as the Mavs took 53-51 cushion at the break.
The Mavs continued their efficient shooting in the second half, and more importantly, sustained their defense on the Heat stars.
The Heat had several chances to cut down the Mavs' lead, but turnovers and a number of missed free shots just cost them the title.
Nowitzki finally exercised his postseason demons after being battered with criticisms throughout his entire career.
Basketball followers believed the Championship has completed Nowitzki's legacy as one of NBA's all-time greats.
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