Can't Beat the Heat...

Well, it's all over. The Larry O'Brien trophy is in the hands of the better player and the troops that he led through the trenches.

Dwyane Wade is a man possessed. Or a man possessing all the characteristics of a legendary superstar. The way he single-handedly dismantled the Mavs over the last 4 games was incredible to watch, but painful to endure.

Only because I despise everything that exemplifies this Miami Heat team. Other than Wade and Udonis Haslem, virtually everyone on the Heat was picked up for the sole purpose of chasing a ring. To me, a team should never be given to anyone.

When you're playing pick-up ball... do you like it when all the good players swing to one side? I know I don't (and not just because I'm left on the other team).

The Dallas Mavericks are the picture perfect example of proper team construction. Smart draft picks, and great team play.

They built from the ground up.

Whereas, with the Heat, all their talent fell from the sky. Jason Williams, James Posey, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning. All virtual gifts. All following Shaq, Wade, and another shot at a ring (for Payton, that was strike two).

Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels, Devin Harris, and Dirk Nowitzki... all born and bred in the NBA by the Mavericks. Jason Terry was never considered more than a bandage for a departed Captain Canada... Jerry Stackhouse was a more-content sixth man that Antawn Jamison.

Erick Dampier was the exception; He was supposed to be their $10-million dollar big man... but turned into an overpaid Kwame Brown on that last possession in Game 6.

To me, the Mavs represented everything that was right in the NBA. BUILD a team... don't inherit it. When they couldn't win as the run-and-gun Mavs, they tweaked some areas... but mostly they brought aboard Avery Johnson, and soaked up every word he preached.

These Mavs were ready to win the championship... one fourth-quarter collapse away from clutching a 3-0 series lead.

Instead it is the Heat that lost their championship virginity.

Good on them... Great on Wade.

I will never get tired of watching that young man play... but I really hoped that the recipe of manufacturing teams for success went out the window with the Lakers' debacle of 3 years ago. Wishful thinking.

I'm glad to see Payton get his ring... Everyone hates the man. I still remember the good times. But the worst of times were shown in the third (fourth?) quarter last night... Talking to Steve Javie while a pass delivered to him rolled off his foot, and into the hands of JT. Thankfully, for him, the Heat escaped unscathed.

The Mavs walked off their home court with their heads sagging, and to a chorus of courtesy clapping... Good job, guys. Way to buckle.

Damp... try catching the pass before you drive into the key. Or even better... just hang on to the ball, and get it back to Dirk ASAP.

Despite getting shut down in the 4th... you gotta get the rock back to the disco ball.

In the end... It was Wade grabbing the final rebound, and launching the ball into the Dallas sky.

Fitting.









Pic courtesy of Associated Press.