Heat-Mavericks Finals Has Promise

Added on May 27, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

It might not have the same allure as last year’s thrilling seven-game tilt between the Celtics and Lakers, but this season’s Heat-Mavericks Finals won’t lack in the drama department. A journey that began last summer with the controversial “decision” has placed LeBron James and Miami one step away from glory. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas shed the over the hill label for one more shot at capturing the championship that has eluded the franchise for 30 years.

Love them or loathe them, Miami has assembled a versatile team loaded with talent that plays strong defense and has begrudgingly embraced their role as villains. LeBron is playing at perhaps the highest level of his career. Dwyane Wade is easily the best second option in the game. Chris Bosh is finally starting to make a consistent impact.

The Heat bench, which was a non-factor for most of the season, is beginning to contribute. Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller are playing through injuries. The point guard duo of Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers has been steady, if not spectacular. Center Joel Anthony’s shot-blocking prowess cannot be overlooked.

Head coach Erik Spoelestra has successfully balanced the egos and convinced his charges being unselfish is the key to winning. As long as LeBron doesn’t don his old Cavaliers mask and try to do everything himself, the Heat should win this series. He came to South Beach because he needed help. Now is not the time to be a one-man gang.

The Mavericks enter the Finals as the clear-cut fan favorites. Several pundits wrote them off before the playoffs even started. An aging roster with a history of collapsing in the postseason wasn’t given much of a chance to survive a stacked Western Conference, but after disposing of the defending champion Lakers and the trendy pick Thunder, respect has been earned.

Dirk Nowitzki is close to unstoppable. His deft shooting and clutch play late in games is the mark of a true superstar. The veteran trio of Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion are playing some of the most disciplined basketball of their careers. New addition Tyson Chandler gives them the physical inside presence they have lacked in years past. Backup point guard Jose Juan Barea provides a scoring spark off the bench.

Dallas has been here before, with Miami blocking their path to a title. They are battle-tested, more patient and some may argue better coached than the 2005-06 squad. Containing the Heat’s Big Three will be a challenge, but they may have the exact type of roster capable of getting it done. Crashing the offensive glass and converting three-point attempts are strengths they must exploit.

It’s a classic white hats versus black hats matchup. Get your popcorn ready. It should be a doozy.