NBA Finals 2011: Forget LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki Looks Like the Real King

So who really is the King on the court?

Game 5 just concluded tonight, with the Dallas Mavericks defeating the Miami Heat 112-103 in a back and forth game that saw the Mavs close out the contest on a 17-4 run.  Though LeBron James did score a triple double tonight with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, he was, yet again, a disappearing act in the fourth quarter. 

Much to the dismay of Heat fans, this has been a recurring pattern for James, who scored just two points in the fourth quarter, but the good news is, that's only six points away from his game total of Game 4!

Dirk Nowitzki, one game removed from willing his team to victory while ill, scored another 29 points despite an injured left hand.   While James has channeled his inner Houdini in this series, Nowitzki, in addition to his teammates, has consistently come through in the clutch in the closing minutes of the game.

It remains to be seen whether Dirk or LeBron will hoist the trophy at the end, but one thing is becoming crystal clear—LeBron has lost his right to ever call himself a King.

For many, LeBron lost that right when he decided to sign in Miami with his friends Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.  The debate of his decision has emphatically gone on between sports fans since the moment he was on ESPN making a public spectacle out of his decision.

There have been athletes in every professional sport that went to join a contending team in order to win a championship.  The vast majority of those players (i.e. Cliff Lee) are applauded and labeled a true team player when they take less money to go join a team that's a few pieces away from a championship.

Maybe LeBron didn't deserve all of the backlash he received, but I tell you this.  Anyone who comes into the league as an 18-year-old kid wearing No. 23 and labels himself a king is going to be held to a different standard. 

While LeBron was letting the world know his intentions to play in Miami, Dirk Nowitzki did what he usually does.  Stay quiet and get the job done.  His team lead by his example all year, ironic almost, considering they have the most bombastic owner in the NBA. 

Ultimately, the quiet precision of Dirk and his Mavs came into the Finals taking on the "Big Three," the trio that had a party that looked like a championship coronation just days after LeBron signed there. 

Still, a good finals appearance by LeBron would do a lot to erase the image he has created for himself.  But instead of taking his team on his back, he's decided to look for a back to ride himself.  James is averaging just 17.2 points per game in these Finals, with a career low eight points in Game 4. 

These numbers would be more than average if it was someone like Jason Terry, but this is "The King."  Meanwhile, Dirk is averaging 27 points per game despite the fact he has a torn tendon in his left hand.  These numbers are glaring enough, but when you see how little James has produced in the fourth quarter, you get an idea just how much different these two are playing on the biggest stage. 

Maybe LeBron goes off for 35 points per game in Games 6 and 7 and takes the title.   Perhaps LeBron can stop this negative momentum and save himself and his team.

However, right now, Dirk certainly looks like the player who is more worthy to being compared to Jordan.  He is playing hurt, playing sick and despite all this, has his team one win away from winning a championship. 

So the real question is, who really is the King of the court?