Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (R) accepts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award from NBA great Bill Russell (L) after the Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 to win the NBA Finals basketball series in Miami, June 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki celebrates against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series in Miami, June 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MIAMI - Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was named the most valuable player of the NBA Finals after leading his team to their first championship on Sunday.

Nowitzki, who shrugged off injury and illness during the championship series, averaged 27 points and 9.4 rebounds while leading his team to a 4-2 series win over the Miami Heat.

Factbox on Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki:

* Born June 19, 1978 in Wurzburg, Germany.

* Served a mandatory stint in the German Army from Sept 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998.

* Selected ninth overall in 1998 NBA Draft by Milwaukee Bucks and immediately traded to the Mavericks.

* Earned MVP honors at the 2002 World Championships while paying for his native Germany.

* Was named the best international player by general manager survey conducted before the 2002-03 season.

* Enjoys reading and playing the saxophone and the guitar during his spare time.

* Named an NBA All-Star in each of the last 10 seasons and was awarded the league's most valuable player award for the 2006-07 regular season.