We Believed…And Then We Witnessed

--DJ Dunson

As the 20,000 goldenrod-clad raucous fans shook Oracle Arena before Game 6 you could sense the palpable tension ready to erupt. From Woody Harrelson, Snoop Dogg to Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson, the stars turned out for what was expected to be a closeout game for the Warriors. This was destiny. From the moment Don Nelson was brought in to revive a franchise which hasn’t been relevant since his first stint 12 years ago, the Mavs and Warriors were heading for this unexpected collision. An aging yet brilliant head coach given a final chance in a familiar location, only to face his defining moment of the season and possibly his career against the franchise which lost faith in him, the owner who disrespected him and the two pupils who still revere him. There was even a family feud between Don and Donnie Nelson who is currently the GM of the Mavericks!

Yet even as injuries seemed to appear out of the ether, Dallas delivered their best blows as the Warriors seemed to keep conjuring up their own magic. While others viewed the Warriors Game 2 self-destructive outbursts as telltale signs of a team ready to implode. I viewed it a different way. They were a confident team with fiery spirits that truly believed they should, not could have won and at times in this series, especially in Game 6, the Warriors appeared to toy with Dallas. You could see the feeling of exasperation forming behind Avery Johnson’s cold and stern demeanor. The loud and outspoken head coach suddenly was suddenly rendered utterly speechless.

However, Mavs fans have to be wondering to themselves: Where art thou Dirk?

I hate to pile on a rotting corpse but its time to come to a conclusion on Dirk Nowitzki.

The true measure of a player is how he plays and behaves when the chips are down. If I had to grade Nowitzki in this category he would receive a failing grade as he often overreacts and gets down on himself in times when most superstars would find a way to persevere. Does anybody remember his 2005 playoff outbursts aimed towards Erick Dampier? He practically wilted under the pressure then as he did tonight.

Tread carefully because I caution you, Strong Statement Ahead: While Dirk may be the BEST player on his team, he is not the most important, hence not the most valuable. That honor belongs to Josh Howard who by the 2009 season will replace Dirk Nowitzki as the marquee player on his team. He’s an intense defender efficient on offense, athletic and epitomizes the virtues of Avery Johnson’s Mavericks. I may be jumping to conclusions but based on Avery’s comments Tuesday he doesn’t exactly empathize with a seven foot tall chandelier like Dirk Nowitzki. Though Don Nelson may have embraced Nowitzki’s unorthodox style in his up tempo high octane offense, it doesn’t just fit in with Avery Johnson’s defensive philosophy. I know Dirk is an excellent long range shooter but on occasion after occasion, in the game, I’d shout at the screen to no avail for Dirk to drive to the basket when there was not a single defender in his vicinity and at least draw the foul. Instead he would go launch his 25 footers into the next stratosphere and in the process initiate the Warriors deadly fast break. Sadly, it was too late into this series before he realized the majority of his points were coming in the paint. Yet, ironically, this is what saved their season in Game 5 but only delayed the inevitable. I know he’s a rarity as 7 foot center with incredible range but at times he embraces this role a little too wholeheartedly and forgets that he is 7 feet tall. He just doesn’t display the same grit, determination, hubris and composure as the NBA’s supernova players such as Kobe, Nash, McGrady or even Yao Ming.

The other player who should carry the Mavs into the next season and the sparkplug of the team is heady, third year pro point guard, Devin Harris. In this series he’s emerged as the key to the Mav’s offensive attack. When he’s in the game his open court speed, vision and creativity created a more up-tempo pace for the offense which was evident by his constant penetration of the Warriors tenacious defense (his defiance of conventional smash mouth Big 10 basketball is why he was so successful at Wisconsin. He is what Mike Conley will hopefully become.) His signature moment arrived in Game 5 when his contested lay-up brought Dallas back within one point and though he clanked the ensuing free throw, he had officially snatched the wind out of Golden State’s sails and ignited the Continental Arenas crowd. He did not disappoint in Game 6 either as he logged contributed 16 points and 7 assists in 32 minutes. Though Jason Terry is a talented combo guard, Harris epitomizes the ideals of the consummate point guard and is the closest thing to Steve Nash that the Mavericks roster has.

As for the Warriors, you can tell Monta Ellis is going to be special. Honestly, how many 21 year olds have been key components on rising playoff teams much less, an 8 seed on the brink of eliminating the reigning Western Conference champions? His style of play likens to that of another eccentric Golden State Warrior—Gilbert Arenas with more speed, and supreme athleticism. In addition, Don Nelson’s offense plays to his skill set favorably. The way he ignited the Golden State offense during Baron Davis’ absence was simply amazing for a second year player out of high school.

In the meantime, Davis managed to re-introduce himself to the NBA fan base as one of the leagues best point guards. Age aside, I would take Baron Davis over Deron Williams, Chauncey Billups, Tony Parker or Chris Paul any day. The combination of Davis and Richardson are a mirror image of Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. In fact, the Golden State Warriors are the Western Conference’s version of the New Jersey Nets Though he played 3 quarters with a noticeable limp he still managed 20 points, 6 assists and 10 rebounds. His gutsy play in Game 6 has to go down in the pantheon of memorable playoff performances alongside Jordan’s flu game, and Willis Reed’s inspirational Game 7 in the NBA finals. For me, Davis’ awkward three pointer which knocked Dirk Nowitzki on his derriere will be the lasting image of this series. If you remember Kellen Winslow carried off the field versus Miami in the 71’ playoffs, you’ll retain that moment.

I learned two things in this series. Stephen Jackson is gradually establishing a reputation, not as a volatile personality but as a silent playoff assassin and in the midst of the 3 point derby both teams displayed in this series Jason Richardson was exposed…as more than just a high flying dunker. He is a complete player.

How much of a visionary must Nellie and Mullin have been to have realized the impact their midseason acquisitions additions would have? After years of failure and their share of unsuccessful personnel moves, Golden State is suddenly as big in the Bay Area as Barry Bonds' home run chase across the water in San Francisco.

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If they face the Rockets… As much as I enjoy the Warriors, it will be interest to see how they handle the low post presence of Yao Ming in the 2^nd round. Against the Mavs, the Warriors fielded, quicker more versatile and athletic but smaller lineups. If they thought Desagna Diop was a handful, they have no idea what Houston has in store for them. Their solution to T-Mac will define how this series plays out. A classic match up of a fast paced offense versus a staunch defense. The Rockets allowed the least points per game this season, however, with their offensive troubles still continuing in these playoffs can they hold Golden State to a respectable point total or will they have to increase their offensive output?

If they face the Jazz… they match up more favorably. Carlos Boozer is the Jazz’s only major threat in the post but he alone does not have the talent to put the Jazz on his back in a 7 game series. Seven footer, Mehmet Okur is basically a poor man’s Nowitzki and you can bet Don Nelson will find a way to neutralize his impact. Overall, this is young and inexperienced team which isn’t particularly strong on offense or defense and sort of resembles a more athletic Dallas Mavericks team with Deron Williams at the point except Andre Kirilenko is the Dirk Nowitzki equivalent on defense.

Either way, Coach Nellie would find a way to adjust because the credit for the success of Golden State in this series… this season has to be bestowed upon Don Nelson and offensive system or lack thereof. At times if it may seem that the Warriors are out there freelancing with an And 1 offense and your sitting trying to figure out what offense they’re running, it’s because well… they don’t run one. The key to the innovative Don Nelson offense is that they subtract centers from the equation. However, this has also been his greatest weakness as he’s been unable to incorporate dominant interior players into his schemes. Just ask Chris Webber who drove him out of Golden State in his first stint with the team and Patrick Ewing who just could not fit into Nelson’s run and gun offense during the ’96 season.

Yet, just as he did with Dallas, and Golden State the man who once brought us Hack-a-Shaq, has now introduced Irk-A-Dirk to the NBA masses and once again solved one of the most unique talents in the NBA. The most amazing part of his success has been the sustained longetivity. Over his 30 year coaching career he has constantly adjusted his strategies and unlike most septuagenarian coaches, his open-mindedness and willingness to accept change has not allowed the game to pass him by. His resume should speak for itself; an Olympic Gold Medal, second most wins all-time plus 5 NBA titles as a player but not a Hall of Fame induction in sight. If the Hall of Fame won’t do it, we as NBA fans should finally give credit where it’s due to one of the most innovative coaches in NBA history.

• With the Mavs once again eliminated from the post season, Mark Cuban’s Mavs are once again searching for that elusive championship. Here are my top 5 most heartbreaking teams not to win it all.

1) 2001 Sacramento Kings—They were the model for the fast paced Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and widely considered the best passing team in the history of the Association. Since their acquisition of Chris Webber in 1998 they had quietly ascended through the NBA hierarchy into the role of the preeminent contender to the Lakers throne. In a much anticipated match-up of epic proportions the Lakers would eventually prevail in overtime of Game 7. The wound is still fresh from Robert Horry’s Game 4 three pointer at the buzzer which tied the series at 2-2. The core of that team would slowly be disbanded as most veteran contenders which fall just short usually do. Expect the same fate of the Dallas Mavericks; slowly but surely it will happen.

2) 2004 L.A. Lakers— I’m so conflicted because they were basically the same cast of players (minus Big Shot Bob) that denied my #1 team! Karl Malone in his final opportunity for an NBA title led to the eventual disbandment of the Lakers. Heading into the Finals they were the consensus favorites to handily defeat the Pitons. Wrong! Only reason it’s not the Most Heartbreaking was because Malone will always be remembered for his years with John Stockton and because the series wasn’t even close.

3) 2000 Portland Trailblazers— Scottie Pippen would finally be recognized by the casual NBA fan as an NBA great and established a legacy free of Michael Jordan. Had his Trailblazers not relinquished a near insurmountable 4^th quarter lead, perhaps the Blazers and not the Lakers would have become the first dynasty of the new millennium.

4) 2003 New Jersey Nets—Jason Kidd’s Nets, minus Vince Carter, who was still a Raptor, took Tim Duncan’s Spurs to the brink only to go down in 6 games after giving up a dominating lead in Game 6. Despite 2 consecutive NBA Finals, and a trip to the conference semi-finals in 2004, Byron Scott would be fired just 18 months later.

5) 1998 Utah Jazz—No comment. I plead the “fif” I don’t wanna talk, write, hear or even remember it… but I do.

Cheapest Promotion of the night has to go to TNT and Tyler Perry who showed up at the TNT studios with Chuck, Kenny ”The Jet” and to promote his new comedy, House of Payne. For about ten minutes they basically quizzed him on his new show So let me get this straight they interrupted their analysis of the biggest upset in NBA playoff history to discuss a show which has been advertised shamelessly on every single commercial break.

Laker Turmoil

Though I think that Kobe’s griping after only three years is a little premature since he’s only three years removed from his last NBA Finals appearance, I understand his angle.

However, the problem with this Lakers team isn’t just mediocre talent but it’s their archaic offensive philosophy. In an age where half court sets are giving way to a faster, smaller league which thrives on scoring on the break, it appears bringing Phil Jackson back for another dance was the wrong choice. Teams which lack dominant big men have begun instituting quicker, more versatile and up tempo offenses. As successful as Jackson and his signature triangle offense had been in the past, the League is evolving.

Immediately following the Lakers abrupt playoff elimination, Kobe all but demanded a wholesale revamping of the Lakers roster. “Do something,” Bryant told reporters in Phoenix, “and do it now. The problem for me is frustration, 3 years from now and we’re still at Ground Zero.” The problem for the Lakers is that they’ve already committed to a system which is hurting them. Two years ago, in the wake of an abysmal regular season, they traded away Caron Butler in exchange for underachieving center Kwame Brown. While Caron Butler has developed into an All-Star forward, Kwame is still a serviceable big man who holds the ignominious honor of the lowest points per game average for a number one overall pick in NBA history.

In essence, the Lakers are the anti-Yankees; a franchise building with young, budding talent such as Kwame, Luke Walton and Andrew Bynum, none of these players possesses the potential to become a complementary piece on a championship contender. The dilemma is that with Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have become a middling franchise. They win just enough games to stay competitive but in the process avoid drafting elite college players in the early in the Draft. While teams such as Celtics, Bucks and Memphis have faced criticism for their tank jobs in hopes of acquiring Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, they’ve could actually save the careers of their respective superstars Paul Pierce and Michael Redd. With the Suns and Bulls expected to only get better with possible Top 5 picks in the 2007 Draft combined with deep playoff runs, Kobe & Co. have a lot of ground to make up and not long to do so.