NBA finals: What to look for from the Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki / Keith Allison - Wikimedia Commons

It is safe to say that the Dallas Mavericks have both shocked and impressed many in the 2011 postseason. Not only have they swept the Los Angeles Lakers, they also were able to defeat the much younger Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite all of the flashy plays, the Mavericks were still able to pull through and make it to the finals.

In order to win the Finals, the Mavericks need to:
1) Keep the confidence and the aggressiveness they exhibited in the semifinals against the Lakers and conference finals against the Thunder. These two modes are big time factors in playoff success, as stated by Jack Nicklaus. "Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your talent, there is only one way to obtain it-work."

2) Use their height to their advantage. The Dallas Mavericks have a seven foot tall power foward, Dirk Nowitzki, who is one of the best shooters in the NBA, and definitely the best shooter for his height. In his stint against the Lakers, Nowitzki averaged 25.3 points a game, shooting at 0.727% from three pointer range. In the Conference Finals, he averaged 32.2 points a game. His smart shot selection and ability to play in the clutch will surely be a challenge for Miami to defend. Dirk has also been the MVP of the 2011 playoffs so far.

3) Keep up their solid defense. In the postseason against the Lakers, Dallas was able to clog up the lane and slow down Kobe Bryant. This same defense will keep LeBron James and Dwayne Wade out of the paint, and pose a harder challenge for Miami to use their speed, youth, and athletic ability. Dallas' defense also made Pau Gasol disappear. If they play the same against Miami, Chris Bosh will not be as effective, and he will be unable to fill in for James' and Wade's lower point totals.

4) Keep their guns warm and loaded. Lights-out shooting has always been a part of Dallas’ formula. In addition to Dirk, Peja Stojakovic has also shown his ability to hit threes. Jason Kidd has also stepped up. It is safe to say that Dallas has a trio of all-time range shooters. You cannot forget about Jason Terry, because this guy can get hot. In Game 4 against the Lakers, he had a playoff record-tying three-point performance.

5) Use their experience to their advantage. All four of the primary shooters have tons of playoff experience and have a track record of performing well in the clutch. It is safe to say that they will not be intimidated, even when the word Finals is printed on the floor. Miami lacks experience, because two of its three star players are missing an NBA ring, and the only player who has (Wade) did it in a landscape nothing like the NBA of today.