Old school Dallas victory

PARIS (The Monday International Show) - Wow! The 2011 NBA Finals were ultra close and hard-fought battles from start to finish, full of comebacks, runs, emotions and diverse story lines!

After five games, just FOUR points separated these two teams that couldn't be more different.

Coach Rick Carlisle of the winning Dallas Mavericks finally let out a sigh and a big smile as he described the victory as a win for old school basketball and teamwork over individual brilliance.

Dallas played close to the floor with old veterans desperate to taste a title and willing to sacrifice and watch each other's backs after years of frustration and criticism (think Dirk Nowitzki), whereas Miami was more of a permanent, airborne, reality TV show caravan starring young divas of a newer generation who teamed up to try and find a shortcut to a championship.

For me, the shared experience and roster continuity over the last few years gave Dallas a decisive edge on the biggest stage during the biggest moments. Their ability to spread the floor, penetrate the Miami Heat defense and hit big shots was crucial.

Carlisle rightly added: "Miami will have their time but this OUR time and it had to be now" because every Mavs player's biological clock was ticking!

As Nowitzki knows better than most, anything worth having is worth waiting for so you have to pay your dues which guys like Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler, DeShawn Stevenson and J.J. Barea have certainly done, in spades!

Nowitzki, the hard-working and quiet humble leader of this special group shared his Finals MVP spotlight with all his team-mates, pointing out the key contributions of even the most modest role players.

What an irony that Dirk struggled mightily in the first half of the decisive Game 6, shooting one of 12, as Terry, Stevenson and Barea stepped up big time just like in Game 5 and Dallas miraculously led by two at halftime.

It was Dirk's worst half, by far, of the playoffs but the NBA's best bench this season once again showed its resilience to hold the fort until Dirk got himself together in the second half.

Dirk said: "They carried me in the first half when I couldn't find my rhythm".

Some of the other keys for Dallas in the series were: Marion's all-around play and defense on LeBron James; Chandler's energy on the glass, on defense and in the locker room; Kidd's leadership, defense on all comers plus timely shot-making, which is a Dallas trademark along with their ability to play 48 minutes, never say die and always find a way to make a comeback when they are in dire straits.

Dirk pointed out that coming back and winning Game 2 in Miami was the turning point of the series and I will add that that was the starting point for LeBron's gradual meltdown in the last four games (Dallas won four of the last five).

James was heavily criticised for holding the ball to much in the money time of Game 2 and this seemed to provoke hesitation and doubt that became progressively worse as the games became more intense and important.

Dallas' confusing mix of man and zone defense always helping out on LeBron's and Dwyane Wade's penetration was efficient at making James question his own decision-making and threw his outside shot off. Do I pass or do I drive or do I shoot? The look of perplexity on LeBron's face was painful to watch for a heroic Wade who played almost as stratospherically as in 2006.

In fact, the scenario for these Finals was 2006 backwards with Miami seeming to dominate early in the series winning two of the first three games and then letting it slip away after a major turning point which made the confidence level change sides, whereas in 2006 it was Dallas in the bad role after letting Miami come back to win Game 3.

Rumours circulated about problems in LeBron's private life and the 2,000 media members spent more time trying to figure out what was wrong with James rather than talking about what was right with Dallas! This only fueled Dallas' colossal motivation and mental toughness even more.

Dallas had more resourcefulness, unity and experience starting with the head coach and going all the way down the bench to the 12th man.

This result was also satisfying revenge for Mark Cuban, their owner, who put all the pieces together, built around Dirk and who stayed surprisingly and wisely silent during the last two weeks.

This unique series produced a unique, perseverant champion that basketball fans everywhere can appreciate. This beautifully intense sports spectacle also makes our desire even more powerful to see the NBA avoid a destructive lockout in the summer of 2011!

George Eddy