Five Keys for Mavs' NBA Finals Win over Miami Heat
Most of the basketball world cheered last night as a determined Dallas Mavericks team bested the bumptious Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to earn the Texas franchise its first NBA championship.
Though much will be made about the failed fortunes of the more ballyhooed Heat, the Mavericks clearly outplayed Miami in this exciting series to capture the NBA title.
Here are five reasons why the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy belongs in Dallas this year:
1. The Little Things
All successful organizations and initiatives pay close attention to the little things. On the Mavs’ team, no “little thing” was any bigger than pint-sized J.J. Barea. The pesky point guard persistently poked his way into the paint, breaking down the celebrated, more athletic Heat defenders.
When this mighty might wasn’t scoring on the taller Heat, his ball-handling blur was setting up open teammates for uncontested looks from behind the arc.
2. An Unexpectedly Quiet Cuban
Normally the billion-dollar Mavs owner’s penchant for popping off provides unwelcome distractions for his team. However, the mercurial Cuban comported himself admirably during the NBA playoffs and will now be remembered as a knowledgeable, purposed owner deserving of his new-found NBA championship.
3. Maverick Maturity
Thirty-seven-year-old Jason Kidd displayed Hall of Fame leadership in directing a dogged Dallas squad down the stretch of Game 6, as well as during resilient comebacks in Games 2 and 4.
The steady Kidd, along with other seasoned stalwarts Shawn Marion, DeShawn Stevenson, Jason Terry and Brian Cardinal, proved the age old adage that wisdom and experience consistently trump youth and athleticism.
4. Tyson Chandler
The bedrock of Dallas’ defense, Chandler instilled tenacity and toughness into an otherwise offensive-minded organization. Though the seven-footer struggled with fouls in Game 6, Chandler’s rebounding, shot-altering presence and quiet leadership proved invaluable as he captured a second world championship (remember last summer’s USA FIBA title) within the past year.
As a result of his Finals MVP performance, this seven-foot German will be remembered as the greatest European player of all-time. Noticeably out of rhythm in the first three quarters of Game 6, Dirk emerged in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points and grabbing several key rebounds as he helped seal the Mavs’ win.
Nowitzki may have always been known for his deft touch and amazing scoring ability. However, Dirk will now be memorialized in NBA Finals history as a tough, poised leader who delivered in the clutch.
The Mavericks earned their first NBA championship through grit, teamwork and maturity. Here’s hoping the Heat learn from their vanquishers as Miami is certain to return to additional NBA Finals in the future.
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MIKE—thee ultimate talking head on sports!
