America's Team

"Walk inside the lion's den...take everybody's chips, about to cash them in..."

Nas - Success

Mother's Day, 2011 - Los Angeles is swept out of the playoffs, and it was Dallas that provided a glimpse into their imminent achievement.

Teamwork

The Mavericks are the NBA champions, and while a lot of people thought the series would go in a different direction...it was the total team effort that delivered the Mavs their first title in franchise history. Perhaps it was the star power and top billing of the Heat that over shadowed their stellar play...nonetheless, the 3-point shooting, rebounding, and zone defense allowed Dallas to split the first pair of games, and then travel home to capture 2 of 3...setting the stage for the105-95 win in Game 6.

Jason Terry was the catalyst for everything the Mavs were able to do in the final game, while Dirk Nowitziki, was the constant throughout the series...playing through a sinus infection, fractured finger, and ridicule. In the end, his team laughed last, leaving south Florida with the agony of defeat.

I doubt that I will ever fully comprehend Miami's lack of aggressiveness in the deciding game, however I will give full credit to the Mavericks' defense, and to the victor go the spoils.

My only concern at this moment is an NFL and NBA lockout...which of course is a horse of a different color.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo:  Mark Ralston/AFP PHOTO

Counterattack

"Legend in 2-games like I'm Pee Wee Kirkland..."


Pusha T - Grindin'


The Mavericks evened the series at 1, in a Game 2 that the Heat would like to soon forget.
At the conclusion of the first match, I wrote that the pressure would be on Miami to tighten up the series and go up 2-0, however the only thing the road team wants to do in these situations is to steal a game, and go back to their building with the home court advantage.


Never say Never


Despite 36-points, 5-rebounds, and 6-assists from Dwyane Wade, and 20-points with 8-rebounds from LeBron James...the Mavs were able to overcome the barrage and some costly turnovers for a 95-93 victory.


This proved to be a much more exciting game, as Dirk Nowitziki provided some late game heroics scoring all his team's points down the stretch. Shawn Marion and Jason Terry added 20 and 16-points respectively to keep Dallas within striking distance as the Heat surged to a double digit lead.


The game was sealed on a left-handed Nowitziki lay-up, nonetheless...the Mavericks won the rebounding battle, and out scored Miami's bench 23-11.


Sunday is the pivotal swing game, and just like before...the onus is on Miami to prove themselves and take charge.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

45 Kings

"Still ballin' in the mix..."

Slim Thug - Still Tippin'

The Mavericks defeated the hapless Nets 96-87...last night for their 45th win on the year and 13th in a row.

Major Figures

There is a saying that states: slow and steady wins the race, and if that is the case then the Dallas Mavericks are on pace to go deep into the upcoming playoffs. Since the trade for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson...this squad has quietly gotten better, stronger, and faster.

Its never my practice to award a team or predict their future, however the Mavs are a legit threat to win it all. This group is better than the 2006 team that lost in the Finals to Miami...the reason is they are an experienced group of veterans featuring Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki, as they boast a solid bench with depth at numerous positions.

With injuries to Jason Terry, and Jose Juan Barea...others have stepped up like rookie Rodrigue Beaubois who is an all around talent...playing well at both ends of the floor.

Much has been made about Caron Butler and his preference to chew on McDonald's straws during games...however the bigger story is how the Mavs continue to win, putting the league's best teams on high alert.

There is a new kid on the block and if they are not given respect...they will gladly take it...and the win!

Photo: Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images