What is the signature play in the history of each NBA franchise?

Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki Game 2 game-winner in 2011

The Miami Heat already took Game 1 in their 2011 Finals matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. After a Dwyane Wade corner three put them up 15 with over six minutes remaining, Game 2 seemed within reach, and ith it a comfortable 2-0 series lead.

Dallas can tell you a 2-0 advantage guarantees very little, even in the Finals. Against a vaunted Heat team, that was hardly a comforting sentiment, rendering Game 2 a near must-win.

As they did when down 16 to the Lakers in Game 1 of the conference semis and behind 15 to OKC in Game 3 of the conference finals, the Mavs mounted a comeback. Their efforts got them up by three with under 30 seconds remaining before a Mario Chalmers triple quickly tied the game.

There was no doubt about who Dallas would turn to with this crucial game on the line, but that didn’t make Dirk Nowitzki‘s move any easier to stop. With a hard right dribble and a spin back the other way, Dirk maneuvered around Chris Bosh and floated in the go-ahead layup that went unresponded by Miami, netting a Mavericks win.

The win served as a much-needed confidence boost for the massive underdogs heading into the series. Dallas seized control of the series from there, winning three of the next four games to earn the franchise’s first-ever championship.

Against Miami’s superstar trio, a team-effort was truly needed to come out on top. But when the time came, the Mavericks needed their leader to perform like one. He did, and the series outcome shifted because of it.