Mavericks Are Deserving Champions

Added on Jun 13, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Substance won out over style in the NBA Finals. For all the star power, big talk and flash the Miami Heat displayed during the series, it wasn’t enough to overcome a disciplined, veteran Dallas Mavericks team. The guys in the white hats defeated the guys in the black hats. The self-anointed paper champions failed to live up to the hype, while the supposed over the hill gang finally shook past disappointments. In short, the Mavericks proved to be worthy champions.

Already widely considered one of the all-time greats, Dirk Nowitzki cemented his legacy. After thirteen seasons, ten All-Star appearances, a 2007 league MVP award, the big German can add a Finals MVP and championship ring to his brilliant career. He dominated the fourth quarter and shined when the spotlight was brightest.

Jason Terry’s twelve-year career has seen him win a Sixth Man of the Year and develop a reputation as one of the game’s deadliest long range snipers. He willingly accepted his role for seven years in Dallas and never lost his confidence, despite the scrutiny of previous playoff collapses.

Jason Kidd’s return to Dallas in 2008, 14 years removed from his first stint, was kind of an afterthought. Some pundits labeled him finished. An accolade-filled career that included a pair of Finals losses with the Nets was an impressive resume for a player entering his twilight. However, Kidd missed only five starts in the last three seasons and solidified a lineup desperate for poise and leadership.

Like Kidd, Shawn Marion took on a limited role in Dallas. An elite scorer and rebounder in Phoenix, Marion played aggressive defense and used his savvy and versatility at both ends of the floor. It’s not easy to set aside what made you a star, but “The Matrix” did so without flexing a selfish muscle.

Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson finally responded to coaching. J.J. Barea channeled his inner Manu Ginobili. Peja Stojakovic took a seat on the bench.

Rick Carlisle and Mark Cuban assembled an actual team, not a bunch of individuals with monstrous egos. Talent can get you to the Finals, but it takes a collective to hoist the trophy. A lesson the Miami Heat might want to learn before next season.