06/24/11
Opinion:
Last night's NBA Draft was like nothing I've ever seen before.
I'm used to seeing the occasional trade involving current players, or even players and picks mixed in deals. But, last night was something else. There was a rash of trades like it was going out of style. To even keep the player you draft anymore is rare. The Houston Rockets for instance have only kept 2 of their draft picks since 2007.
The most shocking thing in my eyes when watching the Draft was all the foreign players getting drafted. It was like the new "cool" thing to do. Draft a guy who "looks" like he has potential, and stash them overseas for 3-5 years and hope it pans out. What does that do for the teams that need improvement NOW? I just can't come to grips with the way GM's are drafting these guys off of pure "potential". Looking at some of the footage of the upper tier of European players was baffling to me. They are going off of a small smaple size of footage, and the players size more than actual skill level. Who are those guys even playing anyway? Some look like they are playing high school players. Maybe Dirk had a big influence on these GM's when they saw what happens when you draft the "right" European player? Even so, isn't that the same boat you are in when looking at College Basketball players? Who know's, but it sure was something else watching foreign players who have averaged 0.7 pts per game (Chukwudiebere Maduabum) getting drafted over proven college players like David Lighty from Ohio St.
Trades that went down:
Kings, Bucks, Bobcats Trade:
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Stephen Jackson, Beno Udrih, Shaun Livingston, and No. 19 Pick (Tobias Harris)
Charlotte Bobcats receive: Corey Maggette, and No. 7 pick (Bismack Biyombo)
Sacramento Kings receive: No. 10 pick (Jimmer Fredette), and John Salmons
Opinion:
The Kings in this trade have got to be kicking themselves when looking back. The Kings were originally in the No. 7 spot and with making this trade obviously thought PG Brandon Knight wouldn't be available. But, he was...and Knight fell to the Pistons at No. 8. The Kings would have loved to been able to snag Knight in that position. Therefore, this turns out to be a bad trade for the Kings. As for the Bobcats, it's not bad. They weren't going anywhere with Stephen Jackson anway, so you might as well start re-building...and they will start that rebuilding process with a good defensive player in Biyombo and a great leader in Kemba Walker. The Bucks got what they needed in this trade when they acquired a scorer in Stephen Jackson, and also a back up point guard in Shaun Livingston.
Pacers and Spurs Trade:
Indiana Pacers receive: George Hill
San Antonio Spurs receive: No. 15 pick (Kawhi Leonard), No. 42 pick (Davis Bertans), 2005 No. 46 pick (Erazem Lorbek)
Opinion:
Not sure what to think of this trade yet. If the Pacers keep Darren Collison it's tough to say who will get more playing time....Hill or Collison? As for the Spurs, they must have really loved Leonard, because Coach Popovich was enamored with Hill's skill. Time will tell whether or not this trade will pay off, but the Spurs did draft PG Cory Joseph late in the 1st round to potentially replace Hill.
Celtics and Nets Trade:
Boston Celtics receive: No. 27 pick (JaJuan Johnson), 2014 second-round pick
New Jersey Nets receive: No. 25 pick (MarShon Brooks)
Opinion:
Love the trade for both teams. They both check off needs for their teams, and the Celtics also acquire an extra pick down the line.
Minnesota and Houston Trade:
Minnesota Timberwolves receives: Brad Miller, No. 23 pick (Nikola Mirotic), future first-round pick
Houston Rockets receive: Jonny Flynn, No. 20 pick (Donatas Motiejunas), No. 38 pick (Chandler Parsons) - reacquisition
Opinion:
I couldn't even begin to figure out what either of these teams are really doing, so it's tought to say where this rates for either of them.
Blazers, Nuggets, and Mavericks Trade:
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Raymond Felton, No. 57 pick (Tanguy Ngombo)
Denver Nuggest receive: Andre Miller, No. 26 pick (Jordan Hamilton), future second-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: Rudy Fernandez, 2007 No. 30 pick (Petteri Koponen)
Opinion:
Win, win, and win for all three teams in my opinion. They all get parts to help out their respective teams. The Nuggets just keep piling on talent from the Carmelo trade....
Hornets and Knicks Trade:
New Orleans Hornets receive: Cash considerations
New York Knicks receive: No. 45 pick (Josh Harrellson)
Opinion:
Knicks need a big body, and they get one in Harrellson. Shouldn't have a problem making the roster, so it's worth the Knicks buying this pick.
Cavaliers and Magic Trade:
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Two future second-round picks
Orlando Magic receive: No. 32 pick (Justin Harper)
Opinion:
Not a bad deal. Like it for the Magic, who need all the help they can get to convince Dwight Howard they are trying to win now, and keep him in Orlando.
Bobcats and Warriors Trade:
Charlotte Bobcats receive: Cash considerations
Golden State Warriors receive: No. 39 pick (Jeremy Tyler)
Opinion:
Worth the risk for the Warriors I suppose. He was once one of the highest recruited high school players before leaving overseas to play basketball.
Timberwolves and Heat Trade:
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: No. 31 pick (Bojan Bogdanovic)
Miami Heat receive: The rights to guard Norris Cole (No. 28 pick)
Opinion:
Like this for the Heat, they needed a decent backup point guard, and Cole fits that role. As for the Timberwolves...I can't even explain this, not one bit. You get a guy who is drafted 3 spots after your pick, and you get nothing else in that trade? Should have got at least some cash considerations, or a future 2nd round pick. Kahn at his best.
Lakers and Nuggets Trade:
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Future second-round pick
Denver Nuggets receive: No. 56 pick (Chukwudiebere Maduabum)
Opinion:
A guy who averaged 0.7 pts, I guess there is only upside from that point. What's crazy is more than 1 team wanted that guy.
It sure was an exciting night with everything that went on. It will be interesting to see how this so called "weak" class turns out.
Showing posts with label Dirk Nowitzki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dirk Nowitzki. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Dirk & Mavericks Stop the Heat Cold and Steal Game 2
06/02/11
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks had no business winning Game 2, but that didn't stop them from doing just that.
The Mavericks won Game 2 of the NBA Finals 95-93 with a last second layup from Dirk Nowitzki, and send the series back to Dallas tied up 1-1.
What seemed like a sure thing for the Miami Heat coming down to the final 7 minutes in the 4th quarter and up by 15, the Mavericks made their signature come back. We saw Dallas do the same exact thing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, making an unlikely push late in the 4th to steal a big game.
The combination of the Dallas Maverick defense,poor shot choice by the Miami Heat led to a ridiculous 22-5 run to end the game and steal a huge game in Miami. Dirk Nowitzki led the way for the Dallas Mavericks scoring the last 9 pts of the game, and hit all the clutch shots Dallas needed to get a win. Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra said it best after the game. ""That's about as tough a fourth quarter as you can have. When it started to slide, it just kept on going."
"The Big 3" for Miami played extremely well all game long, and combined for 68 of the 93 pts. Lebron, Bosh, and Wade all had their share of highlight dunks, put-backs, but in the end the Heat scored less than the Mavericks and that's all that counts. Dwyane Wade had the biggest game of the big 3 by scoring 36 pts, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Lebron James scored just 20 pts on just 15 shot attempts, but had 5 turnovers that really hurt the Heat down the stretch. Chris Bosh gave his critics another reason to say he's still a soft player, scoring only 12 pts on 4-16 shooting, and most of his shots coming from outside jump shots. He was anything but an inside force that the Miami Heat so desperately need from him. Bosh said this after the dissapointing loss: "We just didn't execute down the stretch," Bosh said. "There's no shock. There's disappointment. But the reality is the reality. We might as well get used to it and focus on the next one."
Going back to why we questioned Miami's possible deep run in the Playoffs from the start was the Miami depth, bench scoring ability, and the big man presence they lack. Throughout their run so far in the Playoffs we really haven't had much to question on those areas, but after tonights loss, I can't help but point to those areas of concern. Miami got a whopping 11 total pts from their bench, and 12 pts coming from their big men-if you count Bosh as that player, since Joel Anthony put up a goose egg in the scoring department. That's not going to cut it against a much deeper team in Dallas.
Like I said earlier, the Dallas Mavericks had no business whatsoever winning this game, period. They really didn't play well throughout the entire game, minus the last 7 minutes where they really focused on the task at hand. Dallas has to be one of the most resilient teams we've seen, getting wins when they aren't even playing well. Jason Terry had this to say after the game: ""You can just sense it in us that we weren't going to give up, we were going to be resilient." But, that's what great teams do, win even when they aren't at their best.
The Mavericks got great play once again out of Shawn Marion, who has revived his play in the Playoffs. Marion scored a much needed 20 pts on 9-14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds, with 3 of those being offensive rebounds. On an offense that at times looked lethargic, Marion gave the Mavericks that boost when they needed it, and his hustle really sparked the Mavericks down the stretch. Jason Terry also proved huge in the 4th quarter, scoring 8 of his 16 pts in the 4th quarter.
Jason Kidd had a very odd game, having 5 turnovers himself, but had 6 pts, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kidd hit a huge 3 pt shot that brought Dallas within 6 pts with 3:54 remaining in the 4th quarter.
Dirk Nowitzki also having an odd game, losing 5 turnovers also. But, Dirk more than made up for it when he took over the game when it meant the most. Dirk ended up with 24 pts, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. His demeanor early on in the game just looked off, like he didn't have that killer instinct that he's been playing with all Playoffs long, until the 4th quarter. He came alive when he hit a shot with 2:44 left in the game, and got Dallas within 2 pts. He wouldn't miss after that, and was the entire offense for Dallas down the stretch. That's what great players do.
Moving onto Game 3, the series switches to Dallas for the next three games. Will Dallas come out the new NBA Champions at home, or will we see this series go 6 or 7 games?
Ask Mark Cuban, I'm sure he'll have your answer.
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks had no business winning Game 2, but that didn't stop them from doing just that.
The Mavericks won Game 2 of the NBA Finals 95-93 with a last second layup from Dirk Nowitzki, and send the series back to Dallas tied up 1-1.
What seemed like a sure thing for the Miami Heat coming down to the final 7 minutes in the 4th quarter and up by 15, the Mavericks made their signature come back. We saw Dallas do the same exact thing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, making an unlikely push late in the 4th to steal a big game.
The combination of the Dallas Maverick defense,poor shot choice by the Miami Heat led to a ridiculous 22-5 run to end the game and steal a huge game in Miami. Dirk Nowitzki led the way for the Dallas Mavericks scoring the last 9 pts of the game, and hit all the clutch shots Dallas needed to get a win. Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra said it best after the game. ""That's about as tough a fourth quarter as you can have. When it started to slide, it just kept on going."
"The Big 3" for Miami played extremely well all game long, and combined for 68 of the 93 pts. Lebron, Bosh, and Wade all had their share of highlight dunks, put-backs, but in the end the Heat scored less than the Mavericks and that's all that counts. Dwyane Wade had the biggest game of the big 3 by scoring 36 pts, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Lebron James scored just 20 pts on just 15 shot attempts, but had 5 turnovers that really hurt the Heat down the stretch. Chris Bosh gave his critics another reason to say he's still a soft player, scoring only 12 pts on 4-16 shooting, and most of his shots coming from outside jump shots. He was anything but an inside force that the Miami Heat so desperately need from him. Bosh said this after the dissapointing loss: "We just didn't execute down the stretch," Bosh said. "There's no shock. There's disappointment. But the reality is the reality. We might as well get used to it and focus on the next one."
Going back to why we questioned Miami's possible deep run in the Playoffs from the start was the Miami depth, bench scoring ability, and the big man presence they lack. Throughout their run so far in the Playoffs we really haven't had much to question on those areas, but after tonights loss, I can't help but point to those areas of concern. Miami got a whopping 11 total pts from their bench, and 12 pts coming from their big men-if you count Bosh as that player, since Joel Anthony put up a goose egg in the scoring department. That's not going to cut it against a much deeper team in Dallas.
Like I said earlier, the Dallas Mavericks had no business whatsoever winning this game, period. They really didn't play well throughout the entire game, minus the last 7 minutes where they really focused on the task at hand. Dallas has to be one of the most resilient teams we've seen, getting wins when they aren't even playing well. Jason Terry had this to say after the game: ""You can just sense it in us that we weren't going to give up, we were going to be resilient." But, that's what great teams do, win even when they aren't at their best.
The Mavericks got great play once again out of Shawn Marion, who has revived his play in the Playoffs. Marion scored a much needed 20 pts on 9-14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds, with 3 of those being offensive rebounds. On an offense that at times looked lethargic, Marion gave the Mavericks that boost when they needed it, and his hustle really sparked the Mavericks down the stretch. Jason Terry also proved huge in the 4th quarter, scoring 8 of his 16 pts in the 4th quarter.
Jason Kidd had a very odd game, having 5 turnovers himself, but had 6 pts, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kidd hit a huge 3 pt shot that brought Dallas within 6 pts with 3:54 remaining in the 4th quarter.
Dirk Nowitzki also having an odd game, losing 5 turnovers also. But, Dirk more than made up for it when he took over the game when it meant the most. Dirk ended up with 24 pts, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. His demeanor early on in the game just looked off, like he didn't have that killer instinct that he's been playing with all Playoffs long, until the 4th quarter. He came alive when he hit a shot with 2:44 left in the game, and got Dallas within 2 pts. He wouldn't miss after that, and was the entire offense for Dallas down the stretch. That's what great players do.
Moving onto Game 3, the series switches to Dallas for the next three games. Will Dallas come out the new NBA Champions at home, or will we see this series go 6 or 7 games?
Ask Mark Cuban, I'm sure he'll have your answer.
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| http://www.nba.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1106/finals.game2/content.12.html |
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Heat Stun Bulls, Head to NBA Finals
05/26/11
The Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in Game 5 and claimed their spot in the Finals once again.
"The Big 3" came together for one reason, and one reason only...to win a championship, and they are now looking at their opportunity.
After the game I couldn't help but think that I just watched the Thunder vs Mavericks Game 5 meltdown all over again. After leading most of the game and all the way up to the final minute of the 4th quarter, the Bulls just lost it. Their offense couldn't score any points, and their defense couldn't prevent a colossal collapse.
Lebron James. What's there to say that hasn't already been said? He has finally taken the pressure and turned it into something that he looks forward to. He was bold, he was precise, but most of all he was clutch. Before this series I would have had some real doubt that he would of made, or even taken most of the shots he so bodly took. Give him credit for stepping up and being the go to guy when the Heat needed someone to step up.
Lebron finished with 28 pts, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Where wasn't he at on the court? This was the one biggest game of Lebron's career, and he more than showed up, he dominated on both sides of the ball.
The side-kick in the Batman and Robin show had yet another less than stellar performance. Dwayne Wade did however show up when it counted the most, in the 4th quarter when the Heat desperately needed a big shot. With 1:30 left in the 4th quarter Dwayne Wade made one of the most unlikely plays, he hit a 3 pt shot and got fouled by Derrick Rose on the shot, giving him a very rare 4 pt play and getting the Heat within 3 points of the Bulls 79-76. Wade looked less than comfortable all game long, and had his left shoulder iced heavily before the game. Even with his rhythm off, Wade scored 21 pts and added 6 rebounds and was a pivotal part in the Heat's run where they wiped out a 12 pt deficit, and clinched the series.
Chris Bosh was steady once again for the Heat, and was more consistent throughout the series than Wade was. Bosh totaled 20 pts and 10 rebounds, while also adding 4 block shots. Bosh earned some praise after his play this series, and should be commended for stepping up and proving that he can be a star when called on. The Heat are definitely going to need this type of play out of him if they plan on winning a championship.
Derrick Rose shot the ball 29 times. That's right, 29. I wrote an article previously about Derrick Rose, and I said then the same thing I say now, no point guard should shoot the ball 29 times and expect his team to win. Especially when you shoot 9-29 from the field and only get to the line 6 times. Was anyone else on the Bulls team shooting particularly well? No, but that doesn't discount the fact the he stopped getting others involved and tried to take over himself. Trust, and experience coming down to the wire were the main factors in the Bulls collapse, much like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Chicago Bulls had a tremendous season, as well as MVP Derrick Rose, but they weren't ready for the big show quite yet. They'll be back, and maybe this offseason they will look to add a little bit of firepower to a staggering offense. Nothing to be ashamed about in Chicago, the Heat were just a better team this year.
With the Miami heat wrapping their series up over the Bulls, they now have to prepare once again to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. 5 years ago we saw the same exact matchup, with a whole different makeup of players and coaches. This matchup is going to be a great one, with so many different stories to go off of.
Who will get their first ring....Lebron or Dirk?
The Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in Game 5 and claimed their spot in the Finals once again.
"The Big 3" came together for one reason, and one reason only...to win a championship, and they are now looking at their opportunity.
After the game I couldn't help but think that I just watched the Thunder vs Mavericks Game 5 meltdown all over again. After leading most of the game and all the way up to the final minute of the 4th quarter, the Bulls just lost it. Their offense couldn't score any points, and their defense couldn't prevent a colossal collapse.
Lebron James. What's there to say that hasn't already been said? He has finally taken the pressure and turned it into something that he looks forward to. He was bold, he was precise, but most of all he was clutch. Before this series I would have had some real doubt that he would of made, or even taken most of the shots he so bodly took. Give him credit for stepping up and being the go to guy when the Heat needed someone to step up.
Lebron finished with 28 pts, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Where wasn't he at on the court? This was the one biggest game of Lebron's career, and he more than showed up, he dominated on both sides of the ball.
The side-kick in the Batman and Robin show had yet another less than stellar performance. Dwayne Wade did however show up when it counted the most, in the 4th quarter when the Heat desperately needed a big shot. With 1:30 left in the 4th quarter Dwayne Wade made one of the most unlikely plays, he hit a 3 pt shot and got fouled by Derrick Rose on the shot, giving him a very rare 4 pt play and getting the Heat within 3 points of the Bulls 79-76. Wade looked less than comfortable all game long, and had his left shoulder iced heavily before the game. Even with his rhythm off, Wade scored 21 pts and added 6 rebounds and was a pivotal part in the Heat's run where they wiped out a 12 pt deficit, and clinched the series.
Chris Bosh was steady once again for the Heat, and was more consistent throughout the series than Wade was. Bosh totaled 20 pts and 10 rebounds, while also adding 4 block shots. Bosh earned some praise after his play this series, and should be commended for stepping up and proving that he can be a star when called on. The Heat are definitely going to need this type of play out of him if they plan on winning a championship.
Derrick Rose shot the ball 29 times. That's right, 29. I wrote an article previously about Derrick Rose, and I said then the same thing I say now, no point guard should shoot the ball 29 times and expect his team to win. Especially when you shoot 9-29 from the field and only get to the line 6 times. Was anyone else on the Bulls team shooting particularly well? No, but that doesn't discount the fact the he stopped getting others involved and tried to take over himself. Trust, and experience coming down to the wire were the main factors in the Bulls collapse, much like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Chicago Bulls had a tremendous season, as well as MVP Derrick Rose, but they weren't ready for the big show quite yet. They'll be back, and maybe this offseason they will look to add a little bit of firepower to a staggering offense. Nothing to be ashamed about in Chicago, the Heat were just a better team this year.
With the Miami heat wrapping their series up over the Bulls, they now have to prepare once again to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. 5 years ago we saw the same exact matchup, with a whole different makeup of players and coaches. This matchup is going to be a great one, with so many different stories to go off of.
Who will get their first ring....Lebron or Dirk?
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| Image Source Page: http://rosebudmag.com/top-10-sports-2010 |
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Mavericks Get Win, Next Stop...NBA Finals
05/25/11
Dirk Nowitzki did it again. He was nothing but spectacular this entire series, no, scratch that, the entire playoffs this year. Tonight he followed up his incredible play with some amazing clutch shots to prove that he is the hottest player in the world right now.
With 1:14 left in the 4th Quarter Dirk Nowitzki hit a big 3 pt shot to put the Mavericks up 95-94, and had the Mavericks up for the first time in the 4th Quarter. This looked so reminiscent of what we saw in game 4 where the Thunder led for a better portion of the game, and buckled under the pressure at the end. Dirk went on to hit two free throws with 13.3 seconds left in the game that put the Mavs up 100-96, and sealed the deal. Dirk went on the have a total of 26 pts on 8-15 shooting, 9-9 from the line, and added 9 rebounds. Dirk averaged 32.2 pts per game during the series, hitting 59-61 free throws and almost averaging 12 pts in the 4th quarter. How's that for clutch?
Just as equally big for the Mavericks was Shawn Marion. He stepped up huge with his defense the entire series on Kevin Durant. With Marion playing extremely physical defense with Durant, and getting him out of his comfort zone it forced Durant to shoot poor the whole series. That's the same results they got once again in Game 5, forcing Durant to shoot 8-20 from the field and 23 pts. Marion exploded for 26 pts in the potential series clincher with 10-17 shooting, and also 8 rebounds. "The Matrix" was once again reborn in this series, and let's hope he can keep it up.
Jason Terry, JJ Barea, and Jason Kidd all played spectacular basketball once again. Proving time again that they are a truely deep team with many threats all around the court. Kidd led with his veteran leadership, and also led his team with 10 assists. Barea added 14 pts, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in just a little over 22 minutes of play. Jason "The Jet" Terry shot the 3 ball well again, hitting 2-3 from behind the arc and adding 12 pts. The Mavericks are going to give whichever opponent they face in the Finals some real trouble with their depth and veteran leaders.
The Thunder head home for the second straight year after making it into the playoffs, but not for the lack of trying. They just simply weren't ready for the pressure and play level of the crafty and veteran players of the Dallas Mavericks. Twice in the series the Thunder had the lead going into the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and lost. They just don't have the experience to know how to finish, and that will come with time and of course, losing. The Thunder had 6 total turnovers going into the 4th quarter, and ended up having 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter alone. Dallas capitalized on the young Thunder's mistakes, and didn't look back.
Coach Scott Brooks had this to say after the game: "Next year when they're 23, they're still going to be young. We're not going to use it as an excuse. We all signed up to play this game and you have to take pride in what you do because it's not a hobby. It's our life. This is what we do. This is what we believe in." Coach Brooks will have them back in the running again next year, and hopefully by then they have matured enough as a team to be a title contender.
One question that does come to mind for the Thunder is, what if you had Jeff Green? Would the outcome have been potentially different, having an extra threat on offense to help relieve some pressure from Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant? Who knows. But it sure does make you wonder.
We could be looking at yet another Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat NBA Finals matchup if the Heat win their next game against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Chicago.
Regardless of their future opponent, the Mavericks have to feel like this is there title to lose with how well they are playing this year, and how hungry that entire team is. For Dirk Nowitzki and 38 year old point guard Jason Kidd, the title is so close they can smell it. Neither whom have won an NBA title have that edge this playoffs that should have any opponent worried.
After 11 straight years of 50+ regular season wins, the Mavericks need a title to make up for it, and prove that they are no slouch that can be pushed over when it comes to the big time stage.
Winning a title would also take Nowitzki and Kidd out of the conversation of best players to play without winning a ring. And we all know Mark Cuban would love to shut up his critics.
Dirk and Kidd have both been in the Finals before, but this time, can they pull it off and bring a championship to the city of Dallas?
All hail Dirk.
Dirk Nowitzki did it again. He was nothing but spectacular this entire series, no, scratch that, the entire playoffs this year. Tonight he followed up his incredible play with some amazing clutch shots to prove that he is the hottest player in the world right now.
With 1:14 left in the 4th Quarter Dirk Nowitzki hit a big 3 pt shot to put the Mavericks up 95-94, and had the Mavericks up for the first time in the 4th Quarter. This looked so reminiscent of what we saw in game 4 where the Thunder led for a better portion of the game, and buckled under the pressure at the end. Dirk went on to hit two free throws with 13.3 seconds left in the game that put the Mavs up 100-96, and sealed the deal. Dirk went on the have a total of 26 pts on 8-15 shooting, 9-9 from the line, and added 9 rebounds. Dirk averaged 32.2 pts per game during the series, hitting 59-61 free throws and almost averaging 12 pts in the 4th quarter. How's that for clutch?
Just as equally big for the Mavericks was Shawn Marion. He stepped up huge with his defense the entire series on Kevin Durant. With Marion playing extremely physical defense with Durant, and getting him out of his comfort zone it forced Durant to shoot poor the whole series. That's the same results they got once again in Game 5, forcing Durant to shoot 8-20 from the field and 23 pts. Marion exploded for 26 pts in the potential series clincher with 10-17 shooting, and also 8 rebounds. "The Matrix" was once again reborn in this series, and let's hope he can keep it up.
Jason Terry, JJ Barea, and Jason Kidd all played spectacular basketball once again. Proving time again that they are a truely deep team with many threats all around the court. Kidd led with his veteran leadership, and also led his team with 10 assists. Barea added 14 pts, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in just a little over 22 minutes of play. Jason "The Jet" Terry shot the 3 ball well again, hitting 2-3 from behind the arc and adding 12 pts. The Mavericks are going to give whichever opponent they face in the Finals some real trouble with their depth and veteran leaders.
The Thunder head home for the second straight year after making it into the playoffs, but not for the lack of trying. They just simply weren't ready for the pressure and play level of the crafty and veteran players of the Dallas Mavericks. Twice in the series the Thunder had the lead going into the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and lost. They just don't have the experience to know how to finish, and that will come with time and of course, losing. The Thunder had 6 total turnovers going into the 4th quarter, and ended up having 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter alone. Dallas capitalized on the young Thunder's mistakes, and didn't look back.
Coach Scott Brooks had this to say after the game: "Next year when they're 23, they're still going to be young. We're not going to use it as an excuse. We all signed up to play this game and you have to take pride in what you do because it's not a hobby. It's our life. This is what we do. This is what we believe in." Coach Brooks will have them back in the running again next year, and hopefully by then they have matured enough as a team to be a title contender.
One question that does come to mind for the Thunder is, what if you had Jeff Green? Would the outcome have been potentially different, having an extra threat on offense to help relieve some pressure from Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant? Who knows. But it sure does make you wonder.
We could be looking at yet another Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat NBA Finals matchup if the Heat win their next game against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Chicago.
Regardless of their future opponent, the Mavericks have to feel like this is there title to lose with how well they are playing this year, and how hungry that entire team is. For Dirk Nowitzki and 38 year old point guard Jason Kidd, the title is so close they can smell it. Neither whom have won an NBA title have that edge this playoffs that should have any opponent worried.
After 11 straight years of 50+ regular season wins, the Mavericks need a title to make up for it, and prove that they are no slouch that can be pushed over when it comes to the big time stage.
Winning a title would also take Nowitzki and Kidd out of the conversation of best players to play without winning a ring. And we all know Mark Cuban would love to shut up his critics.
Dirk and Kidd have both been in the Finals before, but this time, can they pull it off and bring a championship to the city of Dallas?
All hail Dirk.
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| Image Source Page: http://www.allstatedaily.com/dallas-mavericks-98-92-los-angeles-lakers-dirk-nowitzki-32-points-video/ |
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