THE DALLAS MAVERICKS FIND REDEMPTION IN NBA FINALS WIN

The Dallas Mavericks celebrate Sunday after winning their first-ever NBA title.

A decade of frustration—GONE.

The Dallas Mavericks finally celebrated their first title in team history when beat the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals, 4-2.

For NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki, he was the consistent factor for the Mavericks throughout the 2000s.

He helped Dallas achieve its greatest success since the mid-to-late 1980s, but the team was criticized for being soft and lacking on the defensive end.

The Mavericks endured their best seasons in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, but ended the seasons in heartbreaking fashion.

They lost the in the 2006 Finals to the Heat after holding a 2-0 lead and were upset by the Golden State Warriors in the 2007 Western Conference Quarterfinals after having the best record and Nowitzki winning the MVP with good players like Jason Terry helping him.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle joined the team in 2008, but felt the pain that Nowitzki and Terry went through before this point.

“Dirk and Jet (Jason Terry) have had to live with those demons for five years,” Carlisle said. “And as of tonight, those demons are officially destroyed.”

All because of those past failures like these, few expected Dallas to get to this point. Some even tabbed the Mavericks as the upset pick in their first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

“The whole world was telling us we were the one and done boys,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “That we were going to get knocked out in the first round. This team had so much heart, so much determination and so much fortitude that you know what, I love every one of them.”

With that drive, Dallas battled throughout the playoffs.

The team shook off an embarrassing 23-point collapse in Game 4 of the Portland series to win in six games. They then swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the West Semifinals and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West Finals in five games to return to the NBA Finals.

The Mavericks gained respect, but Miami would be the favorite heading in to the Finals.

The Heat took care of Dallas in Game 1 with a 92-84 win and were seven minutes from holding a 2-0 lead until Dallas stormed back from 15 down to tie up the series as the Finals shifted to Dallas.

Miami took Game 3, but Carlisle made adjustments such as starting JJ Barea and putting Brian Cardinal and Ian Mahinmi in the rotation. Those moves and Nowitzki having help in scoring allowed the Mavericks to win three straight to take the Finals.

The win finally gave players like Nowitzki and Terry the redemption and the ring they have longed for. Along with that, so are the nightmares of years past.

2011 NBA FINALS

Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks

ANALYSIS: This is what Miami fans have dreamed about all season—the Heat having a chance to compete on the NBA’s grandest stage. The Heat have come a long way from their 9-8 start to the 2010-11 season to represent the Eastern Conference for the second time in team history. Miami is playing great basketball in the NBA Playoffs, winning each of their three series in five games.

It has been five frustrating years, but the Dallas Mavericks return to the NBA Finals facing an all too familiar franchise. However, this Dallas team is older, wiser, and hungrier to erase the nightmares of postseasons past. Since giving up a 23-point lead to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, the Mavericks are 10-1 and have showed a resiliency to overcome collapses.
SEASON SERIES: Mavericks won 2-0 (Dallas’ wins bookended a Miami 12-game winning streak)
KEY MATCHUP: LeBron James vs. Dirk Nowitzki (Both players have improved in the clutch and will be counted on to close out games during this series. Do not be surprised if any game comes down to the last shot.)

POSITION SHOWDOWNS

PG: Mike Bibby vs. Jason Kidd
ADVANTAGE: Jason Kidd
-At 38, Jason Kidd continues to impress everyone with his point guard play. He may not be a top-five caliber point guard anymore, but the wily veteran still has a few tricks up his sleeves. Kidd averaged 9.6 points and 8.6 assists in the Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City, while playing good defense and adding a few key steals. Bibby will split point guard duties with Mario Chalmers, but Kidd clearly has the edge in this battle.

SG: Dwyane Wade vs. DeShawn Stevenson
ADVANTAGE: Dwyane Wade
-Dwyane Wade struggled a bit in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls, but he will enjoy the fact that he is in the NBA Finals for the second time. After a stretch of eight straight games with at least 20 points, Wade only averaged 18.8 points per game against Chicago. Expect Wade to bounce back as DeShawn Stevenson will be no match for him.

SF: LeBron James vs. Shawn Marion
ADVANTAGE: LeBron James
-Shawn Marion is definitely turning back clock with his play in the playoffs this year. In Game 5 against Oklahoma City, Marion scored 26 points and added eight rebounds to help clinch the series. That performance came two days after his clutch steals helped Dallas come back from 15 points down to take Game 4 in overtime. He will provide good defense against LeBron James, but James has the matchup here. James is coming through in key moments for the Heat, hitting tough shots down the stretch and providing great all-around play. He has seven double-doubles in the playoffs this year and provided great defense.

PF: Chris Bosh vs. Dirk Nowitzki
ADVANTAGE: Dirk Nowitzki
-Chris Bosh had a good series against Chicago, but Dirk Nowitzki continues to have a phenomenal postseason. In Game 1 against the Thunder, Nowitzki turned in one of the greatest performances in NBA history by scoring 48 points, making all 24 of his free throws, and not attempting one 3-pointer. Throughout the playoffs, he is showing why he is an offensive force by making tough shots and shooting above everyone. Although, Bosh may lose this matchup, he is not a pushover and can definitely hold his own. He averaged 23.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals and blocked four shots in Game 5. However, he may have his toughest test in guarding Nowitzki.

C: Joel Anthony vs. Tyson Chandler
ADVANTAGE: Tyson Chandler
-Of a shaky center situation, Joel Anthony proved that he is Miami’s best option. Anthony blocked 15 shots in the Eastern Conference Finals and has 31 rejections in the playoffs. With that said, he will be up against a greater challenge in Tyson Chandler. Chandler continues to provide a good presence in the post for Dallas with his scoring and rebounding. Against the Thunder, Chandler averaged 8.0 points and 10.6 rebounds per game while grabbing key offensive rebounds. If he can take advantage against Miami’s big men, watch out.

BENCH: Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks
ADVANTAGE: Dallas Mavericks
-Mario Chalmers continues to lead Miami’s second unit, but now he has help thanks to the reemergence of Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem. Miller had a horrific start to the playoffs, but he found his touch in Games 4 and 5 against Chicago—shooting over 40 percent in both games. Haslem missed most of the season, but scoring 13 points and his toughness in Game 2 against Chicago cemented his place in the rotation. However, the Heat do not have a solid backup center to counter Brendan Haywood, who can take advantage of Miami’s front line just as well as Chandler. If Miami’s bigs tire because of this, expect JJ Barea to go at them with a full head of steam and possibly leave Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic open for shots.

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (This series could be tied at 2-2 here and the winner of this game will have the best chance to win.)
PREDICTION: Mavericks in 6 (It will be a joy to see three of the best players in the NBA—James, Nowitzki, and Wade—battle it out in the NBA Finals. Miami may have a terrific trio that has been dominant in this year’s playoffs, but this veteran Dallas team is playing with a purpose to win and rewrite its history. Miami will give everything they have, but Dallas will prevail in the end.)

MAVERICKS HAPPY, NOT SATISFIED ON LONG ROAD BACK TO FINALS

Five long years later, the Dallas Mavericks are headed back to the NBA Finals.

The Mavericks’ 100-96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday allowed them to be glad of winning the Western Conference Finals for the second time in team history. However, the team is not satisfied and knows the ultimate goal is just four wins away.

“There’s all the guys in this organization and on the court who believed in us and in coach [Rick Carlisle] and fought every game, every minute of the way,” Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban said. “And all I can tell everybody is, we ain’t done yet!”

Cuban has been in this situation before.

Five years ago, he owned the 2006 Dallas team that lost in that year’s NBA Finals to the Miami Heat.

The Mavericks were just six minutes away from a 3-0 lead until Dallas blew a 13-point lead to lose Game 3. They never recovered from this loss and ultimately lost the series 4-2.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry played key roles on that team and unfortunately endured a lot of heartbreak in the years to come.

A 67-win Dallas team the following season was upset by the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. The Mavericks would only win only one postseason series before this postseason and it added to the notion that Nowitzki and the Mavericks could not win when it mattered most.

This year’s team has many other veterans that share the same heartbreaks.

Peja Stojakovic played a big role for the 2001-02 Sacramento Kings that had the best record in the NBA, but lost in Western Conference Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.

Jason Kidd guided the New Jersey Nets to two straight NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, but the Nets fell to the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs in consecutive years.

Shawn Marion was closest to a title for three consecutive seasons with the Phoenix Suns from 2005 to 2007, but their fast paced offense never led to any postseason success as they failed to reach the Finals.

Carlisle even experienced heartbreak as a coach during stints with the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers. He guided Detroit to two straight 50-win seasons and a trip to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals, but he was fired in favor for Larry Brown. Hired by Indiana, he nearly got revenge over the Pistons in 2004 and 2005, but the Pacers lost both years.

The Mavericks have nine players in their postseason roster that are 30 or older, and they all know that they may never get this opportunity ever again.

As a collective whole, Dallas knows that the only way to ease the pain and rewrite the past is to win now before it is too late.

2011 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

ANALYSIS: Following a win in the first round over the Portland Trail Blazers and a surprising sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks are only eight wins away from winning the NBA title. Dallas has a deep, veteran team led by Dirk Nowitzki that is hungry to win now. Although recent playoff failures have doomed this team, the Mavericks know that a championship will erase those nightmares.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are realizing their potential and have made it to the Western Conference Finals in just their third year since leaving Seattle. The Thunder have two of the game’s brightest young stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and both recently came off of huge performances in Game 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Regardless of the final playoff outcome, Oklahoma City is showing that it can be a threat for years to come.
SEASON SERIES: Mavericks won, 2-1 (road team won all three games)
KEY MATCHUP: Dirk Nowitzki vs. Kevin Durant (Two of the NBA’s top closers do battle in what should be a high-powered matchup.)

POSITION SHOWDOWNS

PG: Jason Kidd vs. Russell Westbrook
ADVANTAGE: Push
-Old School vs. New School. Two of the top point guards in the NBA square off against each other to lead their respective teams into the NBA Finals, however they both have different styles. Kidd is more traditional and more of a facilitator, while Westbrook is more aggressive and a combo guard. Both styles are effective, and there is no right or wrong choice in this matchup.

SG: DeShawn Stevenson vs. Thabo Sefolosha
ADVANTAGE: Thabo Sefolosha
-Both players are only in the starting lineup primarily for their defense and will split time with backups. Stevenson can shoot an occasional 3-pointer to jumpstart a half along with his defense, but Sefolosha can get key steals and plays more minutes in Oklahoma City’s rotation. The nod here slightly goes to Sefolosha.

SF: Shawn Marion vs. Kevin Durant
ADVANTAGE: Kevin Durant
-Kevin Durant will face possibly his toughest defender of the playoffs in Shawn Marion, but he still has the edge in this battle. Durant is averaging 28.9 points per game this postseason, an NBA high, including a 39-point performance in Game 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Marion’s 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds cannot be ignored, however. They will need his defense to try to shut down one of the game’s best players.

PF: Dirk Nowitzki vs. Serge Ibaka
ADVANTAGE: Dirk Nowitzki
-Another good offense vs. defense matchup is the one here at the power forward position. Ibaka swatted 43 shots this postseason, but an ankle injury limited his effectiveness in the series against the Grizzlies. However, Nowitzki is performing consistently and only failed to score 20 points once in the playoffs. Nowitzki’s ability to shoot mid-range and outside jumpers wins out.

C: Tyson Chandler vs. Kendrick Perkins
ADVANTAGE: Tyson Chandler
-It has only been a year, but the pickup of Chandler is giving the Mavericks a stability not seen at the center position in quite some time. Of his 87 rebounds in the playoffs, 36 of those have come on the offensive side of the ball and allowed Dallas to extend their possessions. Perkins does so many things that do not count on the stat sheet with his heart and intensity, but Chandler will win the battle.

BENCH: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
ADVANTAGE: Dallas Mavericks
-Oklahoma City has a good bench with James Harden and Nick Collison leading the way, but the Mavericks take the bench battle based on versatility and experience. Dallas can either use Brendan Haywood to score inside, JJ Barea to weave through traffic, or let Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic drain threes. The Thunder can count on Harden’s instant offense and Collison’s toughness in the paint, but they will need another person to step up.

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (The series will likely be tied here and whoever takes this game will have a great chance to win this series.)
PREDICTION: Mavericks in 6 (Led by veterans, Dallas is focused to win it all this year. This series will be enjoyable to watch, but the Thunder are a year away from actually winning the championship.)

2011 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

ANALYSIS: How big is this step for the Chicago Bulls? Well, it is the first time the Bulls have made the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998—Michael Jordan’s last year in Chicago. Derrick Rose showed why he was the Most Valuable Player this season in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks with a 44-point, seven-assist performance. Although the Bulls looked timid under the spotlight this postseason, Chicago closed out the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta extremely well, winning by at least 20 points on both occasions.

The Miami Heat might have eliminated their biggest hurdle in the Boston Celtics, but they know that trophies are not given to teams that win the conference semifinals. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have had their troubles during the season, but both have weathered the storm quite well. They are halfway there, but if they can keep up this determination, an NBA title is theirs.
SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 3-0 (all three games decided by four points or less)
KEY MATCHUP: Dwyane Wade vs. Derrick Rose (The two Chicagoans square off in a battle to who can make their home city proud.)

POSITION SHOWDOWNS

PG: Derrick Rose vs. Mike Bibby
ADVANTAGE: Derrick Rose
-Mike Bibby will have his work cut out for him in guarding the 2010-11 NBA Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose. Rose is averaging 28.8 points per game during the playoffs and has led the Bulls to their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998. Bibby will get the start, but expect Mario Chalmers to get most of the time running the point.

SG: Keith Bogans vs. Dwyane Wade
ADVANTAGE: Dwyane Wade
-This is another matchup where an NBA superstar will see a platoon of players guarding him. Wade has the advantage here based on the ability to take over a game on both sides of the ball. His 7.6 rebounds per game this postseason are the most he has had in any playoffs and he can get that steal or block to shift momentum. Bogans will share time with Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer to hopefully try to stop Wade from going off.

SF: Luol Deng vs. LeBron James
ADVANTAGE: LeBron James
-If there is a great matchup based solely on positions, this is it. Deng has emerged as the Bulls’ secondary scoring option with 16.7 points per game, but James wins here based on his ability to tally double-doubles or even triple-doubles. His assists are down from the regular season, but LeBron is still averaging 26.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Nevertheless, this will be a good battle.

PF: Carlos Boozer vs. Chris Bosh
ADVANTAGE: Carlos Boozer
-Can either of these 2008 goal medal Olympians shake off recent bad games? Boozer finally woke up with 23 points and 10 rebounds in Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, while Bosh posted back-to-back double-doubles in Games 4 and 5 against the Boston Celtics. If Boozer can shake his cold shooting, the matchup is his.

C: Joakim Noah vs. Joel Anthony
ADVANTAGE: Joakim Noah
-Between him and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anthony has really stepped up to be Heat’s premier center. His breakout performance of 12 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3 against the Celtics earned him the start in the series’ final two games. With that said, Anthony will face a different test in Noah. Noah is making his presence felt on the glass and the paint, averaging 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks this postseason.

BENCH: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
ADVANTAGE: Chicago Bulls
-Chicago’s “Bench Mob” played great in the playoffs thus far as Taj Gibson provided great defense and Kyle Korver knocked down critical 3-pointers to keep Chicago in games during the playoffs. One cannot count out the hot shooting of James Jones and the backup leadership of Mario Chalmers for the Heat’s second stringers. The Bulls have a slight advantage due to more players that can do damage, but Miami does have some experienced bench players in Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard.

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (This series will likely be tied here.)
PREDICTION: Heat in 6. (The Bulls are a very good squad that plays defense extremely well, but the duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are determined to give Miami its second NBA title. Expect a good series that will go six or seven games.)

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS EMERGE AS CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

To the other 29 NBA teams, be careful what you wish for.

The Dallas Mavericks are halfway in their quest to win their first NBA title ever after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers en route to the Western Conference Finals.

What makes this Maverick playoff run surprising to most people is that many NBA analysts, players and coaches said that Dallas is the team that other teams hoped to meet in the playoffs.

Before the playoffs began, Maverick guard Jason Terry talked about hearing those comments and said, “A lot of teams want to play us and they are going to get their chance, one by one.”

And that is exactly what has happened so far.

Dallas earned the No. 3 seed in the West and drew the Trail Blazers in the first round.

This series was significant because while Dallas was the team everyone wanted to face, the Trail Blazers were the team no one wanted to face. This led to many people calling an upset in this series because Portland had many tough, underrated players such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Gerald Wallace, and Brandon Roy.

After taking a 2-1 lead in the series, the Mavericks led the Trail Blazers by 23 points early in the fourth quarter of Game 4 until Roy took the game over and Portland won, 84-82.

Memories of past playoff failures were still fresh in most minds, but Dallas turned a negative into a positive by winning the last two games and the series, 4-2.

Despite surviving Portland, few gave the Mavericks a chance against the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. However, Dallas took the first two games in the Staples Center, including battling from 16 points down in Game 1 to a 96-94 victory.

Heading home with a 2-0 lead, the Mavericks withstood the Lakers’ best effort in Game 3, but won late 98-92 to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Dallas would complete the sweep with a 122-86 blowout in Game 4. The Mavericks victory was so impressive that they actually had more assists (32) than the Lakers made field goals (31).

After these two rounds, it is safe to say that Dallas is indeed a contender to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy this June, thanks to the construction of this team.

Center Tyson Chandler is proving to be the Mavericks’ best big man in recent history with his ability to score and rebound in the paint. The bench is also performing consistently with JJ Barea, Peja Stojakovic and Jason Terry all making big plays to help Dallas. Last, but not least, Dirk Nowitzki stepped up in the clutch this postseason, averaging 26.5 points per game and making key fourth quarter shots.

Amazingly, Dallas has done all of this without forward Caron Butler, who injured his right knee on Jan. 1 against Milwaukee. However, many have picked up the slack—especially Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion.

Brimming with confidence, the Mavericks will be well refreshed to take on the winner of the Thunder/Grizzlies series en route to its first trip to the NBA Finals since 2006.

Before Game 3 of the Lakers series, fans wore t-shirts saying, “The time is now”. After the first two rounds, it is safe to say that that slogan stands true.

2011 NBA PLAYOFFS: THE CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks

ANALYSIS: The Chicago Bulls took care of the Indiana Pacers in five games, but it certainly was not easy. Indiana gave the Bulls a run for their money in every game except the deciding Game 5. If Chicago wants to advance even further in the playoffs, Carlos Boozer needs to improve on his offense from the first round (10.0 PPG on 35.8 percent shooting).

The Atlanta Hawks finally defeated a top-tier team in the Orlando Magic, but there is still cause for concern. The Hawks blew a chance to close out Orlando in Game 5, but lost by 25 before beating the Magic in six games. If Atlanta can play like they did for most of the first round and actually show up, they can give the Bulls some fits.

SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 2-1

PREDICTION: Bulls in 5

KEY MATCHUP: Joakim Noah vs. Al Horford (The two former championship-winning teammates at Florida square off the rights to reach the NBA’s “Final Four”. It will be interesting to see them both battle it out for rebounds in the paint.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (Are the Bulls ready for the spotlight? Were Chicago’s struggles with Indiana a factor of the Pacers playing hard or the Bulls taking them lightly? Can the Hawks exercise their second round demons? There are so many burning questions here.)

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

ANALYSIS: The Miami Heat passed their first test with flying colors and now are “ready for lunch,” according to LeBron James. In its 4-1 first round victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami held their opponent to 86.6 points per game and the Big Three looked well together, with each getting a double-double in Game 5. However, The Heat’s only concern is who takes the last shot. They better figure it out in a hurry, because this series will have a good share of close games.

The Boston Celtics achieved a first in the Big Three era when they swept the New York Knicks in the first round. Manhandling a Knicks squad that had Amar’e Stoudemire dinged up and Chauncey Billups unavailable for the final three games, Boston was business as normal and executed its plan soundly. The concern here is how the Celtics will fare in this series without Kendrick Perkins. Will they dominate like they did in the first three regular season meetings or is the lone loss a sign of how this series will play out?

SEASON SERIES: Celtics won, 3-1

PREDICTION: Celtics in 6

KEY MATCHUP: James/Wade/Bosh vs. Pierce/Allen/Garnett (This is the marquee matchup that everyone wants to see. Whichever team’s terrific trio stands out more and gets more help from role players has the best chance to win.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (If the series is tied at 2-2, whoever wins this game will likely win this series.)

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

ANALYSIS: The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first playoff series since moving away from Seattle after putting away Denver in 5 games. Kevin Durant showed every reason why he is considered to be an elite player in the NBA with his 32.4 points per game in the series and a 41-point Game 5. Durant and Russell Westbrook must learn work together though if the Thunder want to continue to grow and reach their potential.

The Memphis Grizzlies stunned most basketball fans with its six-game upset over the San Antonio Spurs, the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed. Memphis clearly was not affected with the loss of Rudy Gay, as Zach Randolph stepped in and put the team on his back with 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies’ high energy and tough defense makes them a force not only just now, but possibly in the years to come.

SEASON SERIES: Grizzlies won, 3-1

PREDICTION: Thunder in 7

KEY MATCHUP: Serge Ibaka vs. Zach Randolph (Ibaka swatted shots left and right during the series against Denver, while Randolph was a huge scoring and rebounding presence against San Antonio. Does Ibaka continue with his blocks or will Randolph continue to dominate inside?)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 7 (This series will be high in energy and excitement. It will be a joy to watch.)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Lakers were able to hold off a tough and determined New Orleans Hornets team in six games during the first round. Los Angeles may have looked sluggish in Games 1 and 4 against but they showed the determination of a champion with double-digit wins in the final two games. The Lakers need Pau Gasol to bounce back from a so-so first round which he averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

The Dallas Mavericks survived their first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers thanks to their determination and Jason Kidd turning back the clock and draining down three-pointers. However, the Mavericks must close out games and not let a 23-point fourth quarter collapse happen again like it did in Game 4 against Portland. Dallas has the ability to match up well with the Lakers, so players like Tyson Chandler must establish the paint early and well.

SEASON SERIES: Lakers won, 2-1

PREDICTION: Mavericks in 6

KEY MATCHUP: both teams’ front lines (Many teams have not matched the Lakers’ lengthy front line of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, but the Mavericks have their own to counter it. Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood and Dirk Nowitzki must be effective here.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Games 1 and 4 (The Lakers or any Phil Jackson led-team know what a Game 1 or a Game 5 means. Phil Jackson is 48-0 whenever he wins the first game of a series. Another stat that favors the Lakers is that they are 20-0 at home in Game 5 when the series is tied 2-2. In order for Dallas to win, they must jump out ahead early or they will lose this series.)

2011 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies

ANALYSIS: The San Antonio Spurs heard that they were too old and that their window of opportunity was shutting, but they sure did not play like it. San Antonio went 61-21, even though Popovich scaled back Tim Duncan’s minutes in order to save him for the playoffs. The plan worked beautifully as the Spurs have home court throughout the West playoffs, along with a good mix of veterans and young players.

The Memphis Grizzlies enter the playoffs looking to do something that they have never done—win a playoff game (0-12 in three appearances). However, Memphis boasts a hungry and young team, led by Zach Randolph. Since Rudy Gay’s injury, Randolph continues to show why he was snubbed from the All-Star game, nearly averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds after the break.
SEASON SERIES: both teams tied, 2-2 (home team won each time)
PREDICTION: Spurs in 5
KEY MATCHUP: Tony Parker vs. Mike Conley (this match-up embodies what this series is all about—experience vs. youth)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (Manu Ginobili is a bit dinged up after hyper-extending his elbow, so this might be the best chance for Memphis to steal a game)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets

ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Lakers may have backed into the playoffs, but if any team knows how to flip the switch whenever it counts, it is them. The defending two-time NBA champions still have arguably the best closer and best player in the game in Kobe Bryant and he is not slowing down any time soon.

Despite the trade demands that Chris Paul gave before the season began, New Orleans made the playoffs and sported one of the league’s best defenses. Aside from Paul, Emeka Okafor, and Trevor Ariza, the Hornets have a team of hard-working players that may not be household names. However, these players will have to step up since David West suffered a season ending injury.
SEASON SERIES: Lakers won, 4-0
PREDICTION: Lakers in 5
KEY MATCHUP: Ron Artest vs. Trevor Ariza (Likely they will not guard each other, so this is about the defensive assignments. Ariza may draw Kobe, while Artest’s job might be to shut down CP3.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (Bynum’s knee is still banged up, so if the Hornets could win one here. However, the Lakers still have the length advantage with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom.)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

ANALYSIS: The Dallas Mavericks always keep winning, winning 50 games for the 11^th year in a row. Dirk Nowitzki continues to show why he is one of the NBA’s top players after averaging 23.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game once again.

No matter what they go through, the Portland Trail Blazers are a dangerous team. LaMarcus Aldridge nearly made the West All-Star team and can arguably be considered as a top 20 player in the league.
SEASON SERIES: both teams tied, 2-2 (home team won each time)
PREDICTION: Mavericks in 7
KEY MATCHUP: Dirk Nowitzki vs. LaMarcus Aldridge (Two of the best power forwards in the game will do battle here. Expect a lot of points between these two)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 7 (This series was dead even in games won and points, and the home team won each time. It is only fitting that seven games will determine this.)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

ANALYSIS: The Oklahoma City Thunder certainly are the team of the future and they have realized their potential. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are both budding stars for the Thunder and it showed as the franchise won its first division title since leaving Seattle.

No Melo? No problem! The Denver Nuggets have stayed on the winning track since trading their once franchise player and Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets finished the season 18-7 without Carmelo and actually looked more like a refreshed team, especially on the defensive end.
SEASON SERIES: Thunder won, 3-1
PREDICTION: Thunder in 7
KEY MATCHUP: Kendrick Perkins vs. Nene (This is one of the main reasons why Oklahoma City traded for Perkins—to match up better against good centers. Nene has really stepped up his rebounding game since the Carmelo Anthony trade, but Perkins gives the Thunder a better defensive presence in the post.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 6 (Any game in Denver has the potential to be pivotal, thanks to the high altitude of the city. The same can be said here. Both teams love to score a lot and we will see many tired legs. Who can win the series here or force a seventh game? We will see.)

2011 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

ANALYSIS: Everyone predicted the Chicago Bulls to be good in the Eastern Conference for the future, but no one predicted that they would be this good, this soon. First-year head coach Tom Thibodeau instilled a defensive mindset on this team and it has made Derrick Rose the frontrunner for Most Valuable Player.

The Indiana Pacers are finally in the playoffs for the first time since 2006 amidst a midseason coaching change. Frank Vogel became interim head coach Jan. 30 and Indiana went 20-17 with him at the helm. The Pacers are led by Danny Granger, who continues to be one of the league’s more underrated players.
SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 3-1
PREDICTION: Bulls in 4
KEY MATCHUP: Joakim Noah vs. Roy Hibbert (While seeing Rose and Granger go off on in a scoring shootout is fun, the real focus will be in the paint between Noah and Hibbert. When healthy, Noah is the Bulls’ best rebounder and averaging a double-double for the second consecutive year. On the other hand, Hibbert is an underrated shot blocker, averaging 1.8 blocks a game.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (OK, while this series has a potential sweep written all over it, it will be interesting to see how Indiana comes out of the gate. If they come out firing, they could steal a game. If not, it will be a long four games for the Pacers)

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers

ANALYSIS: After an interesting first regular season together, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh now get a chance to prove it when it counts. Miami’s Big Three overcame many rough patches during the season and still managed to notch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With Wade, James and Bosh being the only Heat players to score in double-digits this year, someone else needs to step up to help out.

The Philadelphia 76ers started the 2010-11 season 3-11, but steadily turned things around thanks to veteran head coach Doug Collins. Collins left TNT’s broadcasting team during the offseason and he did a remarkable job by guiding this team to a .500 record
SEASON SERIES: Heat won, 3-0
PREDICTION: Heat in 6
KEY MATCHUP: Wade/James vs. Andre Iguodala (The burning question will be who locks down on Iguodala at all times. If it is based on size, then it is Wade. However if position comes into play, James gets the nod. If the Heat cannot close a particular game, Philadelphia’s other A.I. is more than capable enough to close out a game.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (The last two times the Sixers made the playoffs, they surprisingly took a 2-1 lead against an Eastern Conference contender each time. Given that this is Miami’s first playoff appearance with this core, it is possible that Philadelphia could sneak away with a game or two. Do not be surprised if the 76ers stick around in this series.)

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

ANALYSIS: The Boston Celtics are back in the playoffs, but Kendrick Perkins’ midseason departure means that Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal will need to step up. The Celtics may have faltered down the stretch but they are still dangerous with their playoff experience.

After a seven-year absence, there will be playoff basketball in Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks mirrored the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat by assembling their own Big Three of Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups. Despite growing pains, this terrific trio ended the season on a hot streak, winning seven of their last nine games.
SEASON SERIES: Celtics won, 4-0
PREDICTION: Celtics in 5
KEY MATCHUP: Boston’s defense vs. New York’s high-tempo offense (The Celtics may miss Kendrick Perkins, but they still have a tough defense that can contain New York’s high-scoring offense. If Boston keeps the scoring down in the mid-90s or less, they will win. If it is a track meet, the outcome favors the Knicks much, much more.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (In order for the Knicks to have a shot at winning this series, they must have at least one win at this point.)

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks

ANALYSIS: The Orlando Magic retooled again this season by getting rid of Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter, while taking in Gilbert Arenas and welcoming back Hedo Turkoglu. However, in spite of all these changes, the Magic still are dangerous thanks to Dwight Howard.

The Atlanta Hawks are an interesting story. In 2008, they took Boston to seven games in the first round, but did not really impress anyone over the last two playoff appearances. The shocking thing is that they resigned Joe Johnson in the offseason, but traded away Mike Bibby during this season. The Hawks must show a little heart if they want to advance.
SEASON SERIES: Hawks won, 3-1
PREDICTION: Magic in 6
KEY MATCHUP: Orlando’s new parts vs. the Hawks willingness to play (An embarrassment was not even the word to describe last year’s Magic/Hawks series in the East semifinals. Crazy thing is that it was the Magic that underwent wholesale changes between then and now. The Hawks won season series, but it depends on them showing up.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (This will be the first game in Atlanta, and the Hawks cannot lay an egg here. They may survive here though, because this Magic squad is not as good as the last two years. However if they do not, the Hawks will need to make wholesale changes in the offseason.)