Dirk Nowitzki Reflects On Being Embarrassed To Win MVP Award

BYTyler ReedPublished on April 19, 2023899 Views

Dallas Mavericks v Golden State Warriors, Game 3

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 27: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2007 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Dirk Nowitzki wasn't thrilled with his MVP award honors after being on the losing end of the biggest upset in playoff history.

Dirk Nowitzki recently sat down with Rachel Nichols to discuss his time in the league. The Dallas Mavericks legend accomplished everything a player can possibly do in the league. Even earning the right to call himself league MVP. However, at the time, Nowitzki would have rather been anywhere else on earth than receiving that award. Because just two weeks earlier, the Mavericks were on the losing end of the biggest NBA Playoffs series upset in the league's history.

2007 marked the first and only time that an eight seed has taken down a one seed in the NBA Playoffs. Before they were the Golden State Franchise you know today, the Warriors were once mighty underdogs. The Warriors seemed to have everything going against them back in 07. Including having to play a future MVP winner. However, that didn't stop the underdog from pulling off the impossible. The Warriors stunned the Mavericks in six games sending the one-seed home early. A series that still seems to be on the mind of Nowitzki.

Dirk Nowitzki Was Hurt Over Playoffs Loss

In his appearance on Headliners, Nowitzki opened up on his MVP award victory. However, it wasn't the answer that anyone had in mind. Nowitzki claims he was so embarrassed by the playoff loss that he told the league he didn't want the award. But Nowitzki ended up accepting the prestigious award, even if he was lost in the moment. Looking back, Nowitzki realizes how special the honor is to be called NBA MVP. However, at the time, the award just didn't feel special to a player who had just suffered the worst loss in his career.

But things ended up working out for the Mavericks star. The Mavericks won the 2011 NBA championship as massive underdogs. No one expected Dallas to defeat the loaded Miami Heat. However, Nowitzki finally got the elusive ring he had long been chasing. Now Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the greatest to ever play in his generation. But the memory of those Baron Davis led Warriors may still give the legend nightmares. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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About The Author

Tyler Reed

Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.