Mark Cuban Reiterates Claim 2006 NBA Finals Stolen by Miami Heat

Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, remains convinced that the Mavericks were unjustly denied the 2006 NBA championship, which was won by the Miami Heat. Cuban and many Mavericks fans believe the refereeing favored Miami, particularly noting the significant free-throw disparity with Heat star Dwyane Wade attempting 97 free throws compared to the Mavericks' 55. Despite Dallas' strong start in the series, leading 2-0, the Heat won four straight games to secure the title, with Wade earning Finals MVP honors. Cuban has expressed his frustration in multiple interviews and podcasts, describing the championship as “stolen” and highlighting controversial moments like an ill-advised timeout by Josh Howard in Game 5. The Mavericks avenged this loss by defeating the Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals to claim their first championship. Currently, the Mavericks remain contenders with stars like Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, and Cuban also discussed the team's future prospects and the importance of players adapting their games to win another title.