NBA Playoffs: Looks like a Dallas vs. Miami Final.

It’s been a few days since my last post.  My wife and I are preparing for our 4^th move in 7 years.  No, I’m not in the military; we just like to move…a lot.  In between the packing and cleaning it’s been tough to write, couple that with only three of the big four sports going on right now and only two that people really care about, stories have been tough to come by. 

The NBA has caught the most of my attention as of late.  My mom lives in the Dallas area, so I have been pulling for the Mavericks.  I have a strong dislike of the Miami Heat; I think it’s mostly too due to them being the favorites in the East all year.  Rooting for the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals is turning out to be the same as when I pulled for the Sixers in the first round.  In the end, it now seems as though the NBA will see a Dallas vs. Miami final which should be a great series.

In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki has carried the Mavericks to a 3-1 lead over the Thunder.  Dallas is a mix of older, savvy veterans that may see this as a last chance to achieve the elusive NBA title.  Nowitzki and Terry are the only holdovers from the 2005-2006 campaign, in which the Mavs fell to the Heat in the finals.  The additions of Jason Kidd and Shawn Merion have made the Mavs a much better all around team. 

The difference between this season and past ones is that Dallas has finally learned how to play some defense.  The Mavs average 99.6 points a game, but only allow 92.3, for a +7.3 difference, good for best in the playoffs among the teams that are left.  The Mavs can score, but it’s their defense that will carry them to the finals and a possible golden ball.

The Heat are a team that’s built with three scorers.  Wade, James and Bosh can all carry the team on a given night, but their defense is what allows them to be a dominate team.  Against the Bulls the Heat are averaging 91 points per game and allowing 88.9.  The Heat’s 88.9 points a game against is second to only their current opponent, the Bulls who have allowed 88.6 points a game this postseason.  The “Big Three” are going to payoff for Miami, but the Mavs will be standing in their way of finishing their goal.

The NBA has made a big comeback this season and a Dallas vs. Miami final would be a very nice ending.  The NBA faces its own labor dispute, similar to the NFL in about a month.  In the meantime, enjoy it while you can and hopefully by the end of the playoffs the NFL will get their situation sorted out.