Nowitzki was touted as the overwhelming favorite for the Most Valuable Player award .
Nowitzki was was expected to lead the Mavericks to an easy win against the eighth - seed Golden State Warriors , despite the Warriors having won all three regular - season meetings against Dallas .
Nowitzki was touted as the overwhelming favorite for the Most Valuable Player award , and was expected to lead the Mavericks to an easy win against the eighth - seed Golden State Warriors , despite the Warriors having won all three regular - season meetings against Dallas .