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Nowitzki expected to be named NBA MVP

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.

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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.

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