Among the players known to be the hardest working in NBA history, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan are a league beyond everybody else. Even the greatest players who played with these two legends agree, since their dedication and work ethic was levels above everyone else. Moreover, some even took inspiration from it, making them the legends that they eventually became. Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who recently admitted that even his inspirations were Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan.

Every NBA player faces a day where they just don’t feel like putting in the effort or their body has essentially given up. Whenever Dirk faced that sort of situation, he would think of Kobe and Duncan. This is what the Dallas legend said about the motivation he got from Kobe and Duncan.

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NBA legend admits his inspirations were Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan

The Dallas Mavericks legend, who beat Kobe Bryant in the 2011 Playoffs and won it all that year, essentially admitted that Kobe Bryant was actually his inspiration. Hence, when asked about his motivation, he said, “I would think ‘Kobe (Bryant) isn’t sleeping in and Tim Duncan isn’t sleeping in.”

One could think of moments like when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade roasted Dirk’s flu would be his motivation. However, Dirk has essentially clarified he is truly a legend who only takes inspiration from positive things.

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What happened when Dirk Nowitzki beat Kobe in the 2011 Playoffs?

During the 2011 Playoff, the Dallas Mavericks were nowhere close to being favorites to beat the reigning champions- Lakers. Kobe and the Lakers were coming off a back-to-back championship victory, seeking a three-peat. However, Dirk Nowitzki had other plans in store for them. Consequently, Dirk and his team swept the Lakers 4-0. This sent a shock wave across the NBA to watch out for the Mavericks.

Dirk Nowitzki finished the Playoffs with an average of 27.7 rebounds, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Moreover, he even beat LeBron James and Dwyane Wade‘s Miami Heat in six games to win it all. Consequently, he won his first and only NBA Championship ring and the Finals MVP Award.

Indeed, he’s a legend who etched his name, not just in the history books of the Dallas Mavericks, but also of the NBA. To be the best, he had to learn from the best.

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