It doesn't have the legend of a Lakers/Celtics series, but this year's NBA Finals is turning out to be an instant classic. The reason is simple.
This is a war of wills, of philosophies, of ways of putting together a team. On one side, you have the Miami Heat. They have arguably the best three players in the league with the South Beach 3, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. High-end free agents who took less money to either come or stay in Miami, for the expressed purpose of winning a championship.
On the other side of the court, you have the Dallas Mavericks. A team made up of players that are either nearing the end of their prime, or have not quite gotten their yet. Led by Dirk Nowitzki, this a team that is all guts and very little glitz.
By all rights, the Heat should have already won this series, however they're lacking something. Something that puts a championship team over the top. Mettle. The iron will to finish off an opponent when you have them down. They also lack a cohesive team formula, as these three superstars have yet to gel with Miami's role players or each other.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, the only thing that is keeping the Mavs in this series is mettle and team chemistry. While they're certainly a talented squad, they lack the speed and skill to keep up with the Heat. But when they appear to be down for the count, like so many times in these playoffs, Dirk Nowitzki and company find a way to rally. Like staging a 20-2 run to end game 2, to take a 95-93 decision, evening the series at a game apiece.
Ultimately, I believe the Heat will win this series, inspite of themselves. I think youth, talent and speed win out, usually, especially in a seven game series, which is where this one appears to be headed. However, this older Mavericks squad is giving these young whippersnappers from Miami a lesson, and it's one they'll never forget.
To quote Rudyard Kipling,"If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone ... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it. And which is more you'll be a Man, my son!"
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