‘That Clip Really Hurt’: Former Mavs Teammate Reveals Why Dirk Nowitzki Hated LeBron James and Dwyane Wade
Follow Us
Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. The former Dallas Mavericks was one of the most elegant big men to ever play the game of basketball. Nowitzki is fondly remembered in the NBA as a ‘Gentle Giant’, a smiling 7’0″ player who could play the opposition off by himself on his best day.
But Nowitzki was so much more than that. JJ Barea spoke to JJ Reddick for his podcast. Barea revealed that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat made Dirk angry by mocking him with a cough. Nowitzki was coughing earlier due to his recovery from illness. Further, the mockery from James and Wade pushed him to perform better.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “But when LeBron and Wade started making fun of him by coughing when he got a little sick, that clip really hurt. He would never say it, but that tape really hurt him. That gave him a little bit extra that he didn’t need, to finish him off.”
Dirk Nowitzki is an All-Time great
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nowitzki used their mockery as motivation to play his best basketball. In the series, Nowitzki led the underdog Dallas Mavericks to win against the Miami Heat. Nowitzki took on the ‘Big Three’ of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, who was heavily favored to win the NBA championship that season.
Trending
Draymond Green’s Eyes Reveal Warriors’ Tricks Admits LeBron James, 7 Days After Best Friends Stood at Odds
March 27, 2024 02:02 PM EDT
Why Did Caleb Love Leave UNC? Is Ex-Teammate’s Girlfriend The Reason Behind This Move?
November 11, 2023 03:27 PM EST
$75 Million Opportunity Threatens Suns X-Factor’s Position as Matt Ishbia and Co Risk Hefty NBA Penalty
March 28, 2024 01:30 AM EDT
Michael Jordan Only Had 5 Words After Scottie Pippen’s Stinging Betrayal Hit Hard, as Per ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith
March 28, 2024 03:44 PM EDT
“I Have No Money…Please Let Me Just Stay on the Couch”: Carmelo Anthony Narrates Unfortunate Tale as He Relives Hilarious Encounter
March 28, 2024 12:50 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
While most analysts pointed to James’ poor performances, it was Nowitzki’s excellent play that got the Mavericks their NBA championship. For Nowitzki, winning the NBA championship solidified his legacy as one of the greatest European players to ever play in the NBA. He, along with players such as Tony Parker showed how well the European game could translate to the NBA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nowitzki was a veteran when he won his first and only NBA championship in 2011. He had a chance to get his first ring in 2006, but was thwarted by none other than Miami Heat. The newly formed duo of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal allowed the Heat to win the NBA championship over the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Nowitzki still remains one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. His legacy will always remain intact, and his career will go down as one of the best ever.