#NBATogetherLive: Dirk Nowitzki's game-winning performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals vs. Miami Heat in 2011

Benyam Kidane

#NBATogetherLive: Dirk Nowitzki's game-winning performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals vs. Miami Heat in 2011 image

In Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in Finals history, edging the Miami Heat 95-93 to level the series at 1-1

Dwyane Wade put the Heat up by 15 points with 7:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, before the Mavs replied with a 22-5 run to turn the game on its head.

After struggling down the stretch in Game 1, Dirk Nowitzki took over, scoring the Mavs' final nine points, despite struggling with a torn tendon in his middle finger.

With 57 seconds remaining and the game tied at 90-90, Nowitzki drilled a wide-open three-pointer, before Mario Chalmers responded with a triple of his own to tie it back up at 93-93.

On the next possession, Nowitzki powered his way past Chirs Bosh to bury the lefty layup with 3.6 seconds to put the Mavs in front for good. 

"Definitely a huge comeback for us and we never gave up, and that was big," Nowitzki said.

Nowitzki finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists on 10-of-22 from the field and 1-of-2 from the three-point line.

Watch the game below:

The Mavs would go on to beat the Heat in six games to claim the NBA championship, with Nowitzki's clutch Game 2 performance setting the stage.

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Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.