Mavericks top Heat for first NBA title, Nowitzki MVP

Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy with his teammates after they beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 to win the NBA Finals basketball series in Miami, June 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Dallas Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea holds the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after the Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 to win the NBA Finals basketball series in Miami, June 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

NBA champions during the past 10 years 

2010 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtic 4-3

2009 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Orlando Magic 4-1

2008 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers 4-2

2007 - San Antonio Spurs def. Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0

2006 - Miami Heat def. Dallas Mavericks 4-2

2005 - San Antonio Spurs def. Detroit Pistons 4-3

2004 - Detroit Pistons def. Los Angeles Lakers 4-1

2003 - San Antonio Spurs def. New Jersey Nets 4-2

2002 - Los Angeles Lakers def. New Jersey Nets 4-0

2001 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Philadelphia 76ers 4-1

2000 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Indiana Pacers 4-2

1999 - San Antonio Spurs def. New York Knicks 4-1