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Can Dallas exorcise the demons from their 2006 Finals loss to Miami, and win their first NBA title in franchise history?
VS
Regular Season series: Dallas leads 2-0
Analysis: Although Dallas beat Miami twice during the regular season, these are now two completely different squads. The biggest question facing the Heat is figuring out who will be responsible for guarding "Mav on a Mission" Dirk Nowitzki. Big Dirk has been completely lights out during this year's playoff tournament, and I don't think Chris Bosh has what it takes to guard him effectively. At the end of the day, the job of guarding Dirk might be handed to Lebron James, believe it or not. But James can't handle the role for the entire game. It'll lead to him getting into foul trouble, and will tire him out. James has been too important down the stretch for the Heat, so they'll want to keep him as fresh as possible.
Dallas, on the other hand, will have their hands full trying to contain both James and Dwyane Wade, and I question whether they have the defensive talent on their team to stop them. Plus the Heat's role players, including Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, are coming into their own with some timely clutch shooting from Miller, and Haslem provides rebounding, leadership and veteran savvy. He is a respected locker room presence and has championship experience from the team that won it all in 2006.
I think this is one of the most evenly matched NBA Finals in recent years, and it should go right down to the wire. The Heat are now looking like the team that Pat Riley assembled during the off-season, and they're gelling at the right time. Nowitzki is desperately in search of his first championship ring, and looks like he is ready and willing to carry the Mavericks on his back to make it happen. This series will simply boil down to who wants it more, and which complimentary players step up and contribute.
Prediction: I hate to say it, but I'm going with Miami in 7. Argh!
-Turnbull
puh-leeeeease let the Heat lose this series... PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteI know Ram, I really don't want to see LeBiatch lift that trophy either! We'll just have to wait and see.
ReplyDeleteI think the Mavs can take this one. Most of the cats on this roster know that this is their last shot at a title and they will give it everything they've got. If Dallas can steal one of the first 2 games and take home court advantage, anything can happen.
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