What will it take to capture that elusive first title? Will it be Miami’s dazzle or will it be Dallas’ depth?
Miami has transformed from a bloated, lackadaisical group into a lean, determined team over the course of the playoffs. Dwyane Wade has been brilliant for the most part, and Shaquille O’Neal has dominated when he needed to. The biggest key to Miami’s recent trumping of Detroit is that the other Heat players – Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, Gary Payton, James Posey and Udonis Haslem have found their niche and are for once playing comfortably beside the Heat’s two unquestioned stars. The Heat has won by keeping it a half-court game and playing off the dazzling two-man combo of Shaq and D-Wade. They prevented Chicago’s perimeter stars from breaking out, slowed down the New Jersey fast break, and stymied the Pistons allegedly new and improved offense. That being said, the superstar duo of O’Neal and Wade, as terrific as they’ve been, will need a lot of help from their role players in order to win the title.
The Mavericks have answered all the questions about their toughness, their heart and their hunger on the way to their first trip to the NBA Finals. Led by Dirk Nowitzk; Dallas imposed its will on their opponents by utilizing their depth and athleticism. The outstanding play of swingman Josh Howard has given the Mavericks the edge on both ends of the floor. He rebounds like a power forward, defends four positions, runs like a guard and penetrates relentlessly. He has even added a three-point shot to his repertoire. Dallas paved its way to the Finals by utilizing their strengths – depth, defense and Dirk – and exploiting their opponents’ weakness. Against Memphis, Dallas went big and pounded the Grizzlies inside on their way to a sweep. Dallas then went small and played up-tempo against the San Antonio Spurs and forcing them to play four guards along with Tim Duncan, negating their biggest strength – half-court defense. Against the speedy Phoenix Suns, Dallas slowed things down by playing DeSagana Diop and a healthy dose of their athletic bench to wear the Suns out. Dallas can play with any style at any pace. That is their strength. If they are able to run at the Heat like they did to San Antonio, then Gary Payton and Alonzo Mourning have to wait a little bit longer for that championship ring.
Here’s a first look at the potential match-ups from the two contenders:
Backcourt – Jason Terry will either play alongside incumbent starter Devin Harris or former starter Adrian Griffin. Mavericks Coach Avery Johnson may opt to start the bigger, stronger, more experienced Griffin on Dwyane Wade rather than Devin Harris. Wade, however, will still go right after who’s defending him and can get to the hoop almost at will. Jason Williams, never known for his defense, will have the task of guarding Jason Terry, who, after so-so performances in the last two playoff series, is in line for a breakout game. Wade is the difference in this match-up, however. Advantage: Heat.
Small forward – Antoine Walker has flourished recently as the third banana behind D-Wade and Shaq. His ability to create plays, rebound and hit the occasional three makes him a dangerous offensive player. His defense, however, leaves a lot to be desired, as evidenced by Tayshaun Prince torching him in the last series. Josh Howard is the Mavericks’ best perimeter defender and will likely switch between guarding Walker and Wade. He rebounds extremely well for his size and will get a lot of shots off the offensive glass. Howard’s offensive game will give Antoine Walker fits. Howard can drive right by Walker and get to the rim.
Advantage: Mavericks.
Power forward – Dirk Nowitzki is flat-out unguardable (If MVP balloting occurred today, he would win it, hands down). Udonis Haslem will be forced to guard Nowitzki on the perimeter, effectively negating Haslem’s strength in rebounding. Nowitzki has already faced some of the league’s best defenders (Shane Battier, Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan and Shawn Marion) and should be able to handle Haslem, who was able to do a good defensive job on Rasheed Wallace.
Advantage: Mavericks.
Center – In any match-up that involves Shaquille O’Neal, he will always have the edge. Dallas will use the combo of Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop to try and stop him. Try. The only way for Dallas to stop Shaq is make him run on defense, and go right at him on offense and get him into foul trouble.
Advantage: Heat.
Bench – Dallas’ depth is their biggest strength. For Miami, depth has always been an issue. Jerry Stackhouse will be counted on for instant offense against a shaky Miami perimeter defense. Gary Payton, James Posey and Alonzo Mourning will be called on for their defense. Miami doesn’t have enough firepower off the bench to make them effective. Dallas will rely a lot on their bench to wear Wade and the Heat down over the stretch of the series. Advantage: Mavericks.
Season series: Dallas won 2-0. (Dallas 103 Miami 90, Miami 76 Dallas 112.)
Prediction: Mavericks in 6.
For questions, comments or corrections, please e-mail me at emailcarlramirez@yahoo.com.