Taking a look at the key questions for Dallas and Miami heading into the NBA Finals.
LeBron James has a chance to start making his words from last summer come to reality as the NBA Finals start with Game 1 in Miami. Remember just after "The Decision" happened and James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh sat on the stage at American Airlines Arena and talked about winning multiple championships. Well, the Big 3 gets their first crack at No. 1 starting with the Dallas Mavericks.
A simple cautionary note to LeBron as those words can come back to haunt you if you're not successful. Remember Julius Erving's famous "we owe you one" to the fans in Philadelphia after a Finals loss to Portland in 1977? Philadelphia fans jokingly noted as it took Philadelphia a few years to get back to the championship series "Hey Doc, are you gonna owe us two now?"
It won't be easy for the Heat as they will meet a formidable opponent that has managed to defeat three strong Western Conference teams. The Heat have used stifling defence with help from its role players, and surprisingly "never-before-seen" closing ability from James. They will have to do the same to take down Dallas.
The Mavericks have used experience, offensive ball movement, good defence, and outstanding play from Dirk Nowitzki to get themselves another crack at the title. But the difference may be the fact that Miami's experienced players are in the prime of their careers, which is not the case in Dallas.
Home court advantage is extremely critical in the Finals 2-3-2 format as only six road teams have won since the current configuration has been instituted. Yep, one of them was Miami over Dallas in 2006. The Heat are a relatively heavy favourite but remember, that's why they call it gambling. With a classic battle of team play versus athleticism, let's break down the key questions and things to watch?
How does Dallas contain the more athletic Miami squad?
Over the course of the playoffs, the Mavs have made a true commitment to defence, both individually and as a team. Expect them to try and make some of Miami's role players step up by double teaming James and Wade and taking the ball out of their hands. The defensive mind set in Dallas has been anchored by Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler.
Expect Shawn Marion, DeShawn Stevenson and Jason Kidd to spend time guarding both James and Wade and give them different looks. Finally, don't underestimate the effectiveness of Dallas' zone defence in keeping Wade and James out of the lane and forcing them to become jump shooters. Chris Bosh is playing his role well offensively and his play will once again be a key for Miami. Dallas will have to guard him well in one-on-one situations. Hey, you can't double team everybody.
How does Miami guard Dirk Nowitzki?
The Heat will throw multiple players at Nowitzki. Dirk is too good to guard with one player as he has an array of shots and has a terrific post up gamer. It's hard to double team Nowitzki as he operates from the foul line and pinch post (elbow) areas on the court. He passes well out of double teams and shares the ball well with his teammates that can make shots from the outside like Kidd, Jason Terry, J.J. Barea, and Peja Stojakovic.
Expect to see Chris Bosh, or Joel Anthony start on Nowitzki as the Heat may elect to try and keep Bosh out of foul trouble. Udonis Haslem who guarded Nowitzki exceptionally well in the 2006 Finals will be physical with him and with the game on the line, expect LeBron to take on the challenge of stopping Dirk.
Prediction
Both teams have the opportunity to prove their legitimacy. If Dallas can continue to play team ball and neutralize a more athletic team, they will have their first title in franchise history. Miami needs LeBron to continue to close games and a banged-up Wade to find his offensive rhythm. Bosh's ability to stretch the floor will open space for Miami. As well as Miami is playing, its tough to see them losing so, I'll take Miami in seven games.
