New faces joined pantheon of greats

The year 2011 may not go down as the most exciting or uplifting in sports history. But new stars were unveiled, the most reviled teams kept a safe distance from championships and Japan found a reason to smile after the bitter disaster that plagued the country. So things weren't all bad, China Daily reports.

1. Lovable winners in North America

The Dallas Mavericks' first title in franchise history was so charming, even the team they defeated in the NBA Finals - the Miami Heat - got into the spirit. After the game, several players from the Heat were seen at a nightclub celebrating with the Mavs. ("Thanks for embarrassing us in the Finals, fellas! Buy you a Jagerbomb?")