NBA: James' resume incomplete until he lands ring

As Dirk Nowitzki finally clambered out of the "greatest players to never win a championship" conversation, LeBron James had to face the fact that he is still part of that discussion. After two shots at the NBA Finals, he is 0-of-2.

James made his "Decision" to join the Miami Heat last summer in a bid to add the one missing piece to his sparkling resume - an NBA championship. The celebrations last summer, the promises of championships and just the general circumstances behind the All-Star trio of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joining forces put a target on the Heat's back all year.

A slow start (9-8) raised doubts before a 21-1 run confirmed championship credentials. After taking down the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls - both in just five-game series - and seeing the LA Lakers eliminated in the second round, the title seemed Miami's for the taking.

With seven minutes left in Game 2 of the Finals, that feeling was even more unshakable. Then came the Heat's meltdown and the inspired Dallas Mavericks comeback. Nowitzki did what James couldn't, elevating his game and taking over in clutch situations. While James disappeared in the fourth quarter time and again, Nowitzki hit the game winner in Games 2 and 4 then put the series to bed late in Game 6. As Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said, Dirk was money with the game on the line.

And so Nowitzki is finally an NBA champion, earning the recognition that his Hall of Fame career deserves. But for James, the wait goes on and the asterisk will remain by his name until he wins that first elusive championship.