Nowitzki expected to be named NBA MVP

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DALLAS, May 14 (UPI) -- The Dallas Mavericks have called a news conference for noon Tuesday, when it's expected forward Dirk Nowitzki will be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

Nowitzki led the Mavericks to a league-best 67-15 finish this year, the most victories in franchise history. Despite Dallas losing to Golden State in the first round of the playoffs, MVP voting occurred during the regular season.

NBA commissioner David Stern, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Dallas Coach Avery Johnson also are expected to attend the news conference.

Nowitzki averaged 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and a career-best 3.4 assists this past regular season.

Nowitzki, 28, finished the season ranked 10th in scoring, tied for 11th in rebounding and tied for second in free-throw percentage.

Nowitzki, who has averaged 22.3 points in nine NBA seasons, was a six-time All-Star selection. He finished the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons third in the MVP voting.