National Basketball Association

Obama congratulates Mavs coach Carlisle

Published Jun. 17, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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President Barack Obama has congratulated the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks for winning the National Basketball Association championship and says he looks forward to seeing the team in person at the White House.

The White House says Obama spoke to head coach Rick Carlisle Friday. He specifically highlighted the performances of Mavericks players Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and J.J. Barea. The Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the finals Sunday.

Nowitzki, a German forward and center for the team, was named Most Valuable Player of the finals.

Obama, an avid basketball fan, roots for his hometown Chicago Bulls.

He told Carlisle he was proud of how the Mavericks played, the White House said.

There was no word on when the team might visit the White House.

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