Heading into the series, there was a perception that the Mavs were choke artists who could not win it all when it mattered. Time after time, they choked when they needed to respond. It all dates back to the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Mavs had a 2-0 lead and were six minutes away from taking a commanding 3-0 lead. Suddenly, they got tight along with devastating bad luck.
Inevitably, they would lose the series in six heartbreaking games. It was the beginning of more playoff heartbreak starting the very next season when they had the best record in the league and Dirk was the MVP of the season. Just like last season, the Mavericks faltered as they became the first team to lose to an eighth seed in a seven game series.
It would continue for three more years and heading into this Lakers/Mavs series. It appeared that it would be the same yet again. Fortunately, for the Mavs it appears that lady luck is siding with them after they suffered nearly five years of playoff heartbreak as well whispers that they could not get it done.
In the last three games, the Mavericks have played with poise that most associate with what the Lakers have shown the past two years. Yet, it has been the soon to be dethroned champs who have played like a team that many thought would fold when the pressure was at its greatest. As evidenced yet again, in the final deciding quarter.
In the final quarter, it has been Dirk and the Mavs who have made big shots while the Lakers bungle around with an air of desperation. Not even Kobe himself in his advancing age, can save them from the terrible fate that awaits them right now. Oddly enough, Pau Gasol has disappeared.
In the 2011 Playoffs, Gasol has looked like the 2008 version that was bullied around by Kevin Garnett for six grueling games. His numbers have been unPauesque as he is averaging 13 and 11 instead of his usual 18 and 11. The Lakers have been looking for him but with time running out I guess they may never find him for when he is needed most. I guess Pau did not see the Pau signal that the Lakers set up for him to show up when needed against Dirk Nowitzki.
Aside from that, Dirk is just walloping Pau with reckless abandon with his bag of tricks leaving him befuddled as Elmer Fudd when he hunts Bugs Bunny in every Looney Tunes cartoon.
Dirk is using his bag of tricks and is having his way with Pau. Funny, this matchup appeared to be a wash but has become about as one-sided beatdown as it can get.
Tonight, it was the same as Dirk went for 32 and 9 as he inspired his team to victory while Kobe and Pau could only watch as their dream of a 3peat crash and burn. The series has been decided in the 4th Quarter typically a strong point for the Lakers. Yet, the Mavs have played great defense and their bench as well as speed have exposed every weakness the Lakers have had during their run.
In the fourth quarter, the Mavs three point shooting came to life led by Peja Stojakovic. The same Peja who could not hit the side of a barn in Game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals. He led the charge with timely three pointers when the Mavs offense stagnated. He was vital in winning this game and probably ending the Lakers dynasty. If this was a redemption for Peja. Then, he redeemed himself and them some for one night. Amazing!
The Lakers had no answer despite playing good solid basketball for 40-42 minutes. It seems like this four-year odyssey has finally taken a toll. For example, the Lakers were down four with 19 seconds left and Lamar Odom could not handle an in bound pass from Fisher.
As a result, the ball went out of bounds and Jason Terry sealed it with two free throws. This would have never happened in 2009 or 2010. Alas, that was what exactly happened. They lacked the Championship poise that was always there for them and the ball movement was virtually nonexistent.
During that fateful final six minutes, they never went to their big men in Andrew Bynum who was having a monster game with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Along with a steal, where he raced across halfcourt for a slam dunk. He was a monster tonight but was never heard from again nor was Pau Gasol.
Lamar played great but could not get the big basket when they needed to when they were down two with the season on the line with Peja on him. It summed up how the Lakers just cannot get the big bucket when it counted in this series especially when the Mavs have made the Closer Aka Kobe Bryant look mortal in the final moments.
Credit goes to Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Jose Barea and Peja Stojakovic in this series. In addition Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion for their unsung work on Kobe in this series. Tonight, they are one win away from ending the Kobe Bryant/Phil Jackson era (1999-04 & 2005-2011). What a sad way to end for Phil Jackson's illustrious career but Sunday will definitely be his Last Stand.
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