2011 NBA Champions: The Dallas Mavericks

It took the Dallas Mavericks 5 years to get back to the NBA finals. After their embarrassing play in the 2006 finals, where Dwayne Wade, with the help of recently retired Shaquille O'Neal, dominated that series in a 4-2 win. The Dallas Mavericks rearranged their roster with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry. The organization reunited with Jason Kidd, brought Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson, Peja Stojakovic, and the unexpected factor J.J. Barea. With a stunning display of shooting by Dirk and Jason Terry ("Jet"), a steady poise by Jason Kidd, a zesty gusto from J. J. Barea, and a great inside presence by Tyson Chandler, the Dallas Mavericks are the NBA champions of 2011. 

The Dallas Mavericks' experience, mental toughness, and a well understanding of their roles composing a team brought the title to their hands. Miami looked depleted, confused, and without balance. In the clinching game 6, again, Miami's Big 3 shriveled in the fourth quarter. Dallas took a ten point lead and Miami was never able to overcome the veteran poise of the Mavericks, led by the scoring of Dirk Nowitzki - the MVP of the NBA finals. 

As a fan of the game, I am especially happy for Dirk and Jason Kidd. Two great players who deserve to hold the trophy and highlight their career with the ring so many players seek. As a series, this was a great finals. All of the games and came down to the wire. The two teams pushed each other and set the stage for greatness. And it was under this pressure, did we see the maturity of the Dallas Mavericks as a team. Not any one individual player, although Dirk put on a stellar shooting performance throughout the playoffs, the greatness was the sturdiness of the team. I'll raise my glass to the Dallas Mavericks and give thanks to both teams for making the NBA finals of 2011 exciting to watch. Until 2012, I bid the NBA fare well.