While as you know the Dallas Mavericks, after going 67-15, were eliminated by the #8 seed Golden State Warriors. During that series, the Warriors were dominating the Mav's in every aspect of the game. One person that wasn't dominating was future-MVP Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk sucked in virtually every game and the Warriors killed the Mav's because of it. Now back to the MVP part, why did Dirk win the MVP. He blew it in the playoffs and Nash was way better by far. Just compare them-

Nowitzki- 25 PPG 9 RPG 3 APG 36 MIN
Nash- 19 PPG 12 APG 3 RPG 35 MIN

Almost equal in stats and also remember that Nash did lead his team into the 2nd round unlike Dirk. Both guys had great supporting casts but it was Nash that came up big when his team needed him. Take Game 1 of the 2nd round vs. the Spurs, he gets his nose cut but still comes in and finishes the game. Sure, the Suns lost, but at least Nash showed the leadership to try to lead his team. Now Dirk on the otherhand, well when the Mav's needed him to make a big shot he blew it. So bottom line is- Dirk blows, Nash is better.