Nowitzki Wins Magic Johnson Award
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- He's been an NBA MVP, a Finals MVP, a 12-time All-Star selection and a champion. Now, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki has won the Magic Johnson Award, given by the Pro Basketball Writers Association to recognize excellence on the court with cooperation with media and fans.
Nowitzki has long been among the NBA's most charitable and accessible superstars. He is a counted-upon post-game presence in the locker room, win or lose, taking seriously his responsibility as the iconic face of the Mavericks franchise. But included in that seriousness is a fun-loving and sometimes goofy honesty that has endeared Nowitzki -- the German-born star who recently appeared on "Conan" and proclaimed himself a "true Texan"" -- to the fan base for his 16 years in Dallas.
Nowitzki beat out finalists Chris Bosh (Heat), Paul George (Pacers), Manu Ginobili (Spurs), Dwight Howard (Rockets) and the Zach Randolph (Grizzlies).
The award was created in 2001 and named after Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who is considered the ideal model for the award by the PBWA. The PBWA is comprised of approximately 175 writers and editors covering the NBA.
Nowitzki averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season.
The Mavs and Spurs face off in Game 3 of their opening round playoff series on Saturday in Dallas. The series is tied 1-1.
Magic Johnson Award winners
2000-01 Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks
2001-02 Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
2002-03 Jalen Rose, Chicago Bulls
2003-04 Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
2004-05 Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
2005-06 Grant Hill, Orlando Magic
2006-07 Shane Battier, Houston Rockets
2007-08 Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers
2008-09 Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
2009-10 Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
2010-11 Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
2011-12 Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2012-13 Shane Battier, Miami Heat
2013-14 Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
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