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Over a decade later, Dirk Nowitzki still remembers a “disrespectful” gesture from Dwyane Wade and LeBron James during the 2011 NBA Finals.

Nowitzki battled flu-like symptoms in the series. Before Game 5, Wade and LeBron were observed in a hallway making fake coughing gestures mocking the then-Mavs big man.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports asked Nowitzki recently how he took the incident.

Nowitzki said that he didn’t become aware of the mocking gesture until before Game 6.

“I just felt like it was a little disrespectful,” Nowitzki said.

The Heat got off to a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals in James first season in Miami before Nowitzki and the Mavs won three consecutive games to earn the title. Nowitzki said that goal, more than a disrespectful gesture, was all the motivation he needed.

“[The coughing gesture] didn’t add to my motivation if that makes sense,” he said. “I’m one game away from achieving my dream, something I’d chased for 10-12 years in the league. I think we even addressed it as a team, like, ‘Hey, let’s not focus on this. Let’s stay locked in on what we have to do.'”

Nowitzki said there are no lingering after-effects on his relationship with Wade.

“I think we’re totally fine,” Nowitzki said, noting they just collaborated shortly on the recent NBA All-Star broadcast. “There was some stuff said after the ’06 Finals, by both sides, that weren’t appreciated by either side. There were frosty times, but I honestly think we’re way past that.

https://nypost.com/2022/03/07/dirk-nowitzki-talks-disrespectful-lebron-dwyane-wade-gesture/amp/

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Dwyane Wade is a POS, and LeBron James biggest knock from being considered the GOAT is being a beta to POS guys like Dwyane Wade.
Wade's comments after the 06 finals weren't any better, he was defensive because he knew he didn't really deserve that title.
**** Dwyane Wade!

KhalilS wrote:Dwyane Wade is a POS, and LeBron James biggest knock from being considered the GOAT is being a beta to POS guys like Dwyane Wade.
Wade's comments after the 06 finals weren't any better, he was defensive because he knew he didn't really deserve that title.
**** Dwyane Wade!

The 06 title has an asterisk because of the referee who was into sports betting. Tim Donaghy literally said the Mavs were screwed out of that title.

KhalilS wrote:Dwyane Wade is a POS, and LeBron James biggest knock from being considered the GOAT is being a beta to POS guys like Dwyane Wade.
Wade's comments after the 06 finals weren't any better, he was defensive because he knew he didn't really deserve that title.
**** Dwyane Wade!

Also the loss to the Mavs in the finals and his performance in that series eliminates Labron from goat status in most peoples eyes.

KhalilS wrote:Dwyane Wade is a POS, and LeBron James biggest knock from being considered the GOAT is being a beta to POS guys like Dwyane Wade.
Wade's comments after the 06 finals weren't any better, he was defensive because he knew he didn't really deserve that title.
**** Dwyane Wade!

It's still pains me to think about that series and how we ended up being so close. I do believe the refs used their position to decide the outcome. I will forever the fouls that had been called on us and Wade was never touched on several occasions.

However, Lebron has ways been immature, and I personally believe we don't see the real him. He has done a fantastic job at building his brand and so has Wade but I do find it difficult to like either of them.

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HMFFL wrote:

KhalilS wrote:Dwyane Wade is a POS, and LeBron James biggest knock from being considered the GOAT is being a beta to POS guys like Dwyane Wade.
Wade's comments after the 06 finals weren't any better, he was defensive because he knew he didn't really deserve that title.
**** Dwyane Wade!

It's still pains me to think about that series and how we ended up being so close. I do believe the refs used their position to decide the outcome. I will forever the fouls that had been called on us and Wade was never touched on several occasions.

However, Lebron has ways been immature, and I personally believe we don't see the real him. He has done a fantastic job at building his brand and so has Wade but I do find it difficult to like either of them.

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Mobbed up ref stole that series from Dallas. Dirk should have 2 rings.

The main thing is the Mavericks got the championship. If Lebron had the talent surrounding him that LeBoob has had, I think Dirk would have more than four rings.