Western Conference

3. Dallas Mavericks

vs

Eastern Conference

2. Miami Heat

Two completely opposite story lines for these two teams.  One wasn’t given a chance to be in this situation.  The other was talking of winning not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven championships before this season even started.  Both teams, well one has a superstar while the other was struggling to find their identity together.  All in all they meet for the ultimate prize in what is sure to be a competitive series that will define each teams legacy in basketball history.

The Mavericks

Dallas arrives as the underdog once again.  A role that they are all too familiar with throughout these playoffs.  Many (myself included) picked an upset in the first round with Portland beating the Mavericks.  Many (myself included) picked the two time defending champion LA Lakers to beat the Mavericks.  Many (yes, me again) picked the young Oklahoma City Thunder to be the representative of the Western Conference.
What did we learn?  Don’t underestimate the Mavericks.  Thanks in large part to Dirk Nowitzki and his big game heroics the Mavericks are playing in only their second title series.  Ironically he has to beat the Miami Heat again to win his first title.  It should be different this time though.  He is playing at an all time level right now.  His supporting cast is a bit different this time as well.
Jason Terry and Jason Kidd provide a nice backcourt combination. J.J. Barea is a force to be reckoned with all over the court. Shawn Marion is starting to show why he was considered one of the best all around players when he played with the Phoenix Suns. Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood are cleaning up the boards so Nowitzki doesn’t have to.  Things should be different if Dallas gets an early lead in the series.

The Heat

Miami has Dwayne Wade to help them relive that 2006 championship.  No one else from that team is on this years roster, but this is by far the most talented.  LeBron James is getting a second chance to win his first championship.  It will help to keep his critics at bay if the Heat win the title.  Although they will say it won’t be the same if he had won on his own in Cleveland.  Either way it will help him in the long run to win a title no matter where he’s playing.
Chris Bosh is more important now than at any point during these playoffs.  He was a big part of their success against the Chicago Bulls in the Conference Finals.  That was against a less mobile frontcourt in Chicago.  Dallas’ is more agile, but Nowitzki will have to be forced to play defense if the Heat are to succeed.  Miami has solved their problem at center by playing Joel Anthony a lot more during the playoffs.  He has been a force in the middle not allowing easy layups in the paint.
The issue with Miami will once again be at point guard.  Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers have been good, but in the crucial moments of the game the Heat are counting on LeBron and Wade to lead the attack.  That could pose a problem with Dallas exposing the same problem with Oklahoma City in their Conference Finals matchup. Miami didn’t let that bother them against Chicago as LeBron and Wade handled it well in the final two games of that series.

There will be plenty to talk about during this series.  One thing is certain though.  Two players have a lot to gain and a lot to lose from this series.  LeBron’s could begin in Miami with a championship.  Dirk’s could end on a high note.  Either way they both will be playing to prove something to the rest of the league.

Mavericks in 6 games