With the Dallas Mavericks down 0-1 after a 92-84 loss in the NBA Finals to Miami’s Big Three—James, Wade, and Bosh—is it too early to feel sorry for Dirk Nowitzki?
Sure, Dallas can still come back and win this series. I’m not saying it’s already over. But, win or lose in this series, I feel sorry for Dirk.
Every time Dirk gets to the Finals, he has to play against one of these Miami Heat Super-teams.
In 2006, the Mavs led by Dirk Nowitzki made it to the Finals only to meet Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton. Now while Payton and O’Neal each had a terrible series by their own high standards, we shouldn’t forget the overwhelming defense that the combination of Shaq and Zo provided for Miami.
And, as we know in 2011, the Mavs have returned again to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. This time Dirk, who has a great cast of his own—Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, and Peja Stojakovic—has to face a new Miami super-team. And this super-team may be one of the most unique teams in NBA history. It features three perennial All-stars, three Olympic Gold Medalists, one two-time MVP, one Finals-MVP. Wade and James each made a trip to the NBA Finals alone.
Dirk Nowitzki has a daunting team ahead of him, but the two x-factors for the Mavs will be their shooting and their bench.
While the Mavs have a stronger bench than the Miami Heat, you have to wonder if that will be enough for Dirk Nowitzki—torn tendon and all—to be victorious in this series.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
