The Nba Finals

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Dirk Nowitzki was named the MVP of the NBA Finals in June as his Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat, but he and his teammates will have to wait to open defense of their NBA title as labor negotiations grind on. The question is, how many sports fans care if the players ever get back on the court? (Associated Press)

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Dallas Mavericks' Shawn Marion dunks during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Miami Heat Sunday, June 12, 2011, in Miami. (AP Photo/Larry W. Smith; Pool)

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Miami Heat's LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, June 7, 2011, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki had 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in the NBA finals to lead the Mavs to a 86-83 win in Game 4. The series is now tied 2-2. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Miami Heat's LeBron James dunks during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Sunday, June 5, 2011, in Dallas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip; Pool)

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NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points and had nine rebounds in the victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 that sends Dallas to the NBA finals. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)