NBA Finals Preview: Three Kings and Dirk Nowitzki
THE RECENT LEBRON TIMELINE (2010-present)
The Cleveland Cavs dominate Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and take a 2-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics. The Cavs then lose the next three games and their coach, Mike Brown, who is inexplicably hired by the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James has two of his worst games in Games Five and Six of the series. James did not quit in Game Five. Athletes of his caliber do not know how to quit. What happened was James saw Paul Pierce passing the ball to Kevin Garnett whereas LeBron was feeding the rock to Antawn Jamison.
The Decision followed as James tried his hand at 'Must See TV' and only one city enjoyed the awful show.
The Smoke Screen was an awful follow-up.
Dwyane Wade hurts his leg in what was a very strange pre-season.
Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are injured for long periods of time in what was a rather odd regular season.
And now Miami is 12-3 in the playoffs and about to host Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals.
THE DIRK TIMELINE
Dirk Nowitzki is drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft day 1998.
He has never left Dallas and is back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006 when the Mavs and Heat played.
THE MATCHUP
The point guard match-up is nostalgic in a lot of ways with Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd starting for both squads. Dallas has the clear edge here. Jason Kidd is still hitting clutch shots while Mike Bibby really only needs to make open shots when the game comes to him.
The shooting guard match-up is going to be dominated by Miami and Dwyane Wade. Jason Terry is still a nice player but like Bibby, his best weapon now is the spot-up three. Wade can take over the game as he did to push Miami past a better Maverick team back in 2006.
The small forward spot is also dominated by Miami and the aforementioned LeBron James. James is a hybrid of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Shawn Marion is going to have his hands full.
The power forward spot is what will determine the series in a lot of ways. Dirk Nowitzki needs to dominate Chris Bosh. Nowitzki might find himself trying to guard LeBron in some key moments and he needs to step up there. Dirk is going to show everyone he has the heart of a lion as he steps up to every challenge. Chris Bosh is a wild card here because he has the talent to win a game by himself as we saw against the Bulls.
The center position is a clear advantage for the Dallas Mavericks. Joel Anthony has been giving quality minutes but Tyson Chandler fits in so well with every team he plays for because of his talent and willingness to do the dirty work.
Dallas also has the advantage with their bench as they can go ten deep. The lack of a bench has really not been a concern this season for the Heat though.
The Mavericks also have the better coach. Rick Carlisle has his Mavericks playing great. Eric Spoelstra has also had the right touch as the Heat have been playing well at the right time of the year.
If you are counting, the Mavericks win five of the seven match-ups. Of course LeBron James and Dwyane Wade can cure a lot of warts.
KARMA
Even with their match-up edges, the task does look daunting for the Mavericks. Things are also daunting for the legion of LeBron haters (have to include myself here) as this roster that the Heat have will be upgraded by next year.
Of course the looming lock-out might stop a potential dynasty.
If everything goes well then Miami will upgrade their point guard and center positions and be even better next year.
Dallas is loaded with vets who have never won rings. The Mavericks are hungry but not as talented.
It seems that karma would be with the guy who stayed with his team over the guy who bolted for a new team but that is why no one really know what karma means.
THE PICK
Dirk Nowitzki will take his talents to South Beach. The Mavs will split the first two games. The Heat will split in Dallas. The four games will be tight and they will be thrilling.
The Mavericks will go on a monumental two game winning streak, winning Game Six in Miami.
The universe will return to order if for only a moment.
