Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks.

They won their first NBA title last night in convincing fashion on the road, beating the Miami Heat in six games (so much for that “Heat in six” prediction).  Sure the Mavs won by 10, but the score does not indicate how one-sided this game was.  Aside from Miami’s 14-0 run in the second quarter, Dallas dominated this game from start to finish.

The reason was plain and simple: the Mavericks were the better team.  Sure Miami was better ON PAPER, but Dallas was the better TEAM.

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle coached rings around Erik Spoelstra.  Jason Terry manned up after Game 3 and basically carried the Mavs last night.  Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler were tough.

An how about Dirk Nowitzki?  In the Finals (and throughout these playoffs) he proved that he is no longer a soft European player.  He called teammates out, worked hard, and made shots in the clutch.  Hell he outscored Miami’s “Big Three” in the fourth quarter the entire series!

As for Miami, what can you say?  The Heat let this one get away.  Over-confidence, cockiness and arrogance did this squad in.  Either the Heat took the Mavs for granted or they ran out of gas.  It’s going to be a long summer for the Heat.

(Oh, and remember that “the team with the most stars win in the playoffs most of the time” gem I spat out in my Finals preview?  Mmm-kay…)

In the meantime, it’s time to give some love to the Mavericks for doing something no one expected them to do this season.  Congrats to the Mavs!

Categories: NBA, sports story