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'DWTS' Finale: Iman Shumpert makes history as first NBA star to win Mirrorball Trophy

Iman Shumpert and pro Daniella Karagach performed a Cha Cha and Foxtrot fusion dance followed by a freestyle dance to a medley

When it comes to 'Dancing With The Stars', there is no telling who might just prove to be a breakthrough star. While some celebrities do have a knack for dancing (and even a few years of it under their belt), the true joy to watch is a dance rookie who takes the stage by storm. And NBA Star Iman Shumpert proved to be Season 30's wild card. As the first NBA player to make it to the finale, a lot is riding on his shoulders.

Shumpert and pro Daniella Karagach performed a Cha Cha and Foxtrot fusion dance to 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire; then a freestyle dance to a medley of 'Lose Control' by Missy Elliot feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop and 'Bounce' by DJ Clent. Here's how their performance went. 

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Prior to their performance, Karagach spoke about how Shumpert was one of the most improved dancers this show has ever seen. Shumpert wanted that Mirror Ball trophy more than ever, stating that he's a champion and this is what he does. And it turns out, he wasn't kidding.

Len Goodman, who has been exceptionally hard on Shumpert all season stated that Shumpert was called an underdog, but underdogs bite back. To him, there was no confusion in this fusion. Carrie Ann Inaba praised Karagach for evolving Shumpert beyond words. Julianne Hough explained that this show is not about just learning new dances; it is about taking new skills and integrating them with who you are. And Shumpert embodied that perfectly. Bruno Tonioli crowned Shumpert, the king of the ballroom. Shumpert bagged a perfect score. 

Fans were thrilled to see him receive the recognition he deserves. "Iman really embodies what #DWTS is all about. He came from little dance background, giant NBA player and the first to be in the finale. Incredible." tweeted a fan. "in my opinion, iman deserves this win the most. the only one with ZERO prior dance experience. TEAM IMAN!! #DWTS" added another. "IMAN DESERVES 10S AND THE WHOLE FREAKING WORLD I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM AND DANIELLA #dwts #dwtsfinale" tweeted another. 

When it came to their second performance of the night, the judges noted that even though Shumpert was considered to be an underdog, he most certainly worked his way to the top. His freestyle blew them out of the water and even had Inaba declare on record that it was her favourite freestyle ever on all 30 seasons of the show so far. With a second perfect score, Shumpert was now tied at the top of the leaderboard with JoJo Siwa, as they both scored 80 out of 80 overall.

When it came to crowning the winner, Siwa and Shumpert made it to the final two. And in an exciting turn of events, Shumpert and Karagach were crowned the winners of Season 30, making Shumpert the first NBA player to win a season of 'Dancing With The Stars'!

Fans were thrilled with the outcome. "IMAN SHUMPERT just won Dancing With the Stars!!!!! LET’S FKN GO!!!!!!!!! #DWTSfinale #DWTS" tweeted a user. "Had a hard time deciding because each couple had something really special (a great problem to have) but that freestyle from Iman and Daniella was amazing!! Decision made. Congrats #Iman and #Daniella! #DWTSfinale #dwts" added another. "I’m glad Iman won #DWTS because he actually has no dance experience, which is the purpose of the show." tweeted a fan.