Nowitzki eyes first title for Mavericks

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are the only things standing betweenu00a0 Dirk Nowitzki and his crown. Nowitzki's Dallas Mavericks are one victory away from capturing their first NBA championship in the franchise's 31-year history.

The Mavericks, who lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals 3-2, will attempt to win the title in game six on Sunday against Miami Heat.

"When you don't win, criticism comes with it," Nowitzki said.

"If you lose, you're going to get hammered. I got hammered the last 13 years. So hopefully this year I hope I can make the hammering go away for one year," added Nowitzki, who turns 33 on June 19.