Has it really been 35 years? Richard Nixon was in office. Woody Allen's Bananas had barely scratched the surface of American comedy. National Public Radio started up their flagship show, All Things Considered (had to acknowledge my NPR board job in college at some point).
Yeah, you can also say that 1971 was the last time two teams met in their NBA Finals debuts. Names including Oscar Robertson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor back then), Wes Unseld, and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe highlighted a tussle between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Baltimore Bullets (currently the Washington Wizards). Sure, it was more of a rout than a series (Milwaukee won 4-0), but it still marked a lost piece of pro ball history.
Even in the expansion era of the NBA, we haven't seen two franchises simultaneously make this big of a statement in over a generation. Nine organizations have debuted in the NBA Finals since 1971. However, all of these occurrences were solo acts.
At the beginning of this season, two-thirds of the league had been to the final series, even if they didn't make it there with their current location or name (and we can't really expect the Bobcats to make it in their second year of existence).
That left nine teams which could complete the unattainable before November. Six made the playoffs, but the squads with the best chances of reaching this level were Miami and Dallas. Now, having dispatched of the title favorites (Detroit and San Antonio), these two whipping posts and also-rans will duke it out for trophy number one.
I believe we should cherish this moment in basketball history because in my estimation, this is the last time you'll see it happen — ever. Three Eastern Conference teams and five Western foes have yet to reach the Finals. But most of these teams need to make some drastic improvements before stepping up against the conference studs, let alone getting past them.
Something you can say for the Heat and Mavericks .... one will make sure that the Association passes the halfway point when talking about franchises with at least one championship. Yet, who will that team be? Nothin' to it but to get right to the arguments.
Put Your Five on the Floor
The potential starting squads will have some cause defensive problems for each team. Of course, most of it centers around Shaq (20.1 ppg, 9.6 rpg), a man who will make it very difficult Big D's bigs. The perimeter has been controlled by Dwyane Wade. Flash leads the team in points (26.2), assists (6.4), and ridiculously sick layups (that Baryshnikov move was too sweet). Even when he was sick, D. Wade got his double-double in Game 6 versus the Pistons. Josh Howard may slow him down, but only by a bit.
As far as the Mavs go, their main strengths start on the outside. Dirk Nowitzki proved that he can go Kobe on a team with his 50-spot in Game 5 against Phoenix. Now, he won't have to deal with Raja Bell hounding him. Jason Terry and Howard have been logistical nightmares for defensive schemes. Their slashing athleticism has been a great two-three punch for the seven-foot German.
Advantage — Dallas, due to their team aggression.
Make the Most of Your Reserves
Miami's acquisition of big-name vets last summer paid off. Unfortunately, this group solidified the starting lineup more than anything else. The Heat have only gone about seven deep in the postseason, with Alonzo Mourning providing a smattering of minutes. Due to Avery Johnson's adjustments, the Mavs boast 10 players with double-digit minutes and nine playing in double-digit games. Dallas might sport more newbies and no-names, but they all understand their roles.
Advantage — Stays with Big D.
Those Who Can Do Pass it Along
I love Johnson as a coach. He's fiery, funny, and creative. He's already outgunned the Suns and outfoxed three-time champ Greg Poppovich. Plus, he has played under Popps on that 1999 championship Spurs team.
However, that doesn't compare to a man who has given three different franchises and nine different teams a shot at winning the O'Brien trophy. The grandfather of the slick-back hairdo might have done Stan Van Gundy wrong, but Riles proved that the coaching chops are still very vital.
Advantage — Miami. Got to give it to the man with four titles.
Because You Can't See Them Doesn't Mean They're Not There
Sure, you can't really measure intangibles, but let's say you could. I believe Miami has more hunger and sympathy heading into the series. Shaq wants to prove he can still be a title-shifting force. Wade thrives to bring the trophy to South Beach. Payton and Antoine Walker are fighting for their long-awaited rings. And if you aren't pulling for Alonzo Mourning to win his championship, I'm sorry, but you have no soul.
So give a couple imaginary categories to the Heat. Then again, Dallas deserves some love, as well. The Mavericks get the nod in the drive and grit statistics. Over the long haul, these Texas tornadoes have had a consistent head of steam. Memphis provided no threat, San Antonio didn't shake them, and Phoenix couldn't keep up. Oh, and the grit part, let's not forget that the Mavs won every one of their series on the road.
Advantage — Dallas. Growls and tears only get you so far.
There are so many questions in this series, it will be nothing but fun to find out how they're solved. I would like it if Wade's acrobatics and Mourning's heart could get Miami another sports title. But a little of me ... hell, a lot of me wants to see that Evil Emperor Mark Cuban ecstatic over ruling the basketball world. Am I the only one noticing David Stern shivering over the thought?
Final prediction — Dallas takes it home in six games.
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