Jaren Jackson Jr. Impressed by Dirk Nowitzki's 2011 NBA Finals Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. couldn't help but be mesmerized by Dirk Nowitzki's legendary performance during the 2011 NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Nowitzki, the German basketball icon, led the Dallas Mavericks to a stunning upset victory in that championship series, forever etching his name in NBA history. In the 2011 NBA Finals, Nowitzki faced off against a formidable Heat team led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade,