Requiem for a Championship

Tweet Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks organization and fans of the Mavericks for winning the 2011 NBA title!  Let there be no questions; Dallas was the best team this year and fully deserved the title.  On a roster where no players had won a championship previously, its almost hard to believe that they were the best team in basketball this year.  Not the best collection of individuals, but the best TEAM.  NBA championship teams are often defined by qualities.  Detroit is associated with Defense, Lakers with showtime and flare, the Celtics with toughness.  For the 2011 Mavericks, the best quality I can think of is: teamwork. 

When you reflect on Dallas's run to the title, you will be able to point to everyone doing something (with apologies to Caron Butler, Beaubois and Jones, who were inactive for the playoffs). Whether it was Corey Brewer sparking a comeback in Staples center, Brendan Haywood playing excellent defense, or Jason Kidd hitting a dagger 3 against Portland, this team always gave their superstar the help he needed.  Big shots from Stojakovic against the Lakers, key minutes by Mahinmi and Cardinal in the finals, and Shawn Marion's willingness to guard Brandon Roy, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James in consecutive series.  Not to mention J.J. Barea's heart, Tyson Chandler's toughness throughout the playoffs, and De Shawn Stevenson and JET backing up their words against Wade and James.  It is truly remarkable for a team to have this many players contributing in big ways but coach Carlisle made it work.  As for Dirk Nowitzki, I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion on his best moment of these playoffs but for me, one stood out in particular: the last 30 seconds of game 6 against Miami. 

As Dirk Nowitzki took a pass from Jason Kidd on a beautiful cut to the hoop with thirty seconds remaining in game 6 and put the ball in to the hoop it began.  He raised his fist high in the air and took in the moment, he seemed to take it all in, relishing every moment of his first NBA title.  Then, after a stoppage in play, he put both hands on his head and seemed distraught.  Emotion overcoming him to the point where he did not want to be seen, he left the court as fast as he could once the buzzer sounded and headed in to the locker room crying.  If there is any question as to how much this title meant to him, those images should tell you how much it did.  In various post-game interviews he talked about how seeing all the hard work he put in over the years pay off caused him to break down.  Finally Dirk was able to get even with Wade after the latter had won a title at his expense in 2006.  Finally Dirk can forget about 12 seasons of disappointment.  Finally, his resume as an NBA player is complete.  No longer will anyone question his toughness, leadership, or ability in the clutch.  If there is one thing we learned tonight, its that Dirk Nowitzki is a true champion.