NBA Finals 2011: Small Moves Yield Championship Results for Mavericks

If you have been living under a rock for the past two weeks (or trapped in Albert Haynesworth’s endless waistband) than you would have undoubtedly missed out on the Dallas Mavericks’ improbable championship campaign.

Yes, the Dallas Mavericks, equipped with only one all star and a slew of role players, tapped into the inexplicable and engaging magic that only sports can provide. Defying the odds and doing what absolutely no one expected, this team beat the star studded Miami Heat for their first championship in franchise history.

As I reflect upon the Mavericks’ resilient quest for a ring, I can’t help but remember the mental and physical softness that plagued this team since their 2006 finals collapse.

The Dallas team we’ve seen the last two months is NOT that same squad. They do not shy away from fourth quarters. Instead, Dirk Nowitzki completely controls them like he was the architect of the Matrix.

Neither does this team quit when they are down. Rather, they rally around determination, will and heart, as seen in Game 1 against the Lakers, Game 4 against the Thunder and Game 2 against the Heat.

Most importantly, this team plays defense, and pretty damn good defense at that. This year’s team knew how to get stops, hardly ever a staple of Mavericks’ basketball under Mark Cuban.

And, it all started with a seemingly insignificant trade in July.

When the Mavs acquired Tyson Chandler last summer, nobody expected him to be the elusive final piece in Dallas’ championship puzzle. Mark Cuban didn’t even bother signing him to an extension when he arrived, despite being a free agent after the season.

The oft-injured ten-year vet has played in only 96 games the past two seasons. Yet, the overlooked center still put it on himself to make his impact felt on this team.

Chandler brought with him immense toughness and a defensive mentality that the Mavericks were severely lacking. With him protecting the paint and consistently contesting shots, the Mavs ended the regular season as the league’s 10^th best defense.

The NBA world took notice of Chandler’s impact as he finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Throughout the playoffs, Chandler averaged 8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game along with producing a hugely clutch double-double in Game 4 of the finals.

Not to mention, he had a stifling effect on the Heat’s ability to attack the basket and penetrate the defense.

A major factor of playoff success is controlling the paint—which Chandler did effectively. The Mavericks outscored the Heat in the painted area in five out of the six games.

When playing aggressively throughout the postseason, Chandler would crash the boards and provide the Mavs with extra possessions, while also converting high percentage shots and put backs.

Chandler played valuable minutes and set the tone for the Mavs on the defensive end. Not only that, but he emerged as a passionate vocal and emotional leader and an all around great locker room personality.

Chandler’s quality character and defensive intensity cannot be understated. His contributions to this team visibly helped earn Nowitzki a well-deserved ring.

And, to think he was only one healthy toe away from being a member of the Thunder.