No one can logically argue that Dirk Nowitzki isn't the greatest player in the Mavericks' franchise, and him not being the best shooting big-man in the history of the league.
Dirk has a championship, a MVP award, a Finals MVP award. He's a 13-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA team, 50-40-90 club inductee. He's currently 7th in the career points category, and has a chance to go as high as 5th (if not more) by the time his career ends. The German possesses probably the second most unstoppable shot in history, his fade-away jumper, which comes second after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook.
Nowitzki has many, many more accolades, and his career isn't even over. He still has some left in the tank. So, you get the point, Dirk's a definite future first ballot Hall of Famer. He's a legend. He's probably a Top 15 player of all-time.
Dirk also made his status known as one of the greatest clutch performers of all-time, nailing crazy game-winners, whether it was in the pre-season, regular season, or in the Finals.
The following list is a compilation of Dirk's greatest-game winners, as promised in the headline. It isn't ranked from best-to-worst, or worst-to-best, just a simple list of his greatest clutch moments.
Let's get started:
Vs. the Miami Heat in the 2011 Finals, Game 2:
The Mavs pulled off the biggest 4th quarter comeback in NBA history, coming back from 15 points with a few minutes to go. With the game tied, Dirk produced some magic. June 2, 2011, will be remembered forever in the Dallas franchise.
Vs. the Chicago Bulls:
This one took place on March 30, 2013. Dirk scored 15 points of his total 35 in the 4th quarter. The Mavs finished the game on a 15-1 run to secure an improbable comeback victory.
Vs. the New York Knicks:
Ahh, over Carmelo Anthony in the Madison Square Garden..good feeling. Carmelo scored 44 points in that game, but sorry Melo, 44 points isn't good enough.
Vs. the Boston Celtics:
HOW DO YOU DO THAT? NO, SERIOUSLY..HOW?! Take into consideration that Kevin Garnett, who's guarding him, has an MVP award and a defensive player of the year award.
Vs. the Charlotte Bobcats:
The signature fade-away..in overtime..for the win! Along with that, Dirk scored 36 points in that victory.
Vs. the Milwaukee Bucks:
The signature fade-away..in overtime..for the win! Yeah, it doesn't get boring. Nowitzki got 32 points and 11 rebounds in that victory.
Vs. the Toronto Raptors:
The signature fade-away..in overtime..for the win! Repetitive, but distinctive from other players' game-winners.
Vs. the Philadelphia 76ers:
No, really. The fade-away will never be dull.
Vs. the Orlando Magic:
Okay, maybe the opponents might not like the fade-away..
Vs. the Utah Jazz:
Come on, Utah, you know better than that..Don't leave Dirk open.
Vs. the Phoenix Suns:
Guarded by Shawn Marion, one of the best defenders? Not enough.
Vs. the Los Angeles Clippers:
The game ended 75-73. Those 75 points were the fewest for the Mavs all season long (during that season), yet, Dirk found a way to get it done in crunch time.
Vs. the Indiana Pacers:
A fade-away game-winner to end off this list, solid.
Too clutch?