Why is it that the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat feels like a battle between good versus evil?
Maybe because LeBron James made it that way on July 8, 2010, the day we were given “The Decision,” the beginning of the end of a once promising career.
When Dallas overcame a four-point deficit late in the fourth quarter and won Game 5 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 series lead, it felt like Luke Skywalker had just made that one perfect shot to destroy the Death Star.
As he’s done throughout the series, King James was a no-show during the fourth quarter. He made one of four shots, a layup with 29 seconds left in the game to cut Dallas’ lead to 108-103.
Other than that, James’ fourth quarter consisted of three rebounds, one turnover and a charging call. That’s not exactly the kind of performance we expected from the man who took a whole hour last summer to announce where he was going to play basketball.
Meanwhile, his counterpart Dirk Nowitzki performed just as he’s done throughout these playoffs too, scoring eight points in the fourth, including a drive to the bucket that ended in a slam to put the Mavericks ahead for good.
With the series headed back to Miami for Game 6 and possibly a Game 7, we know how the story will end.
The Evil Empire is building a second, more powerful Death Star, one that will destroy the rag tag rebel fleet and bring victory to James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, ensuring that the three of them will rule the galaxy for infinity.
But Skywalker, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian have other plans. Despite playing against overwhelming odds, their grit, heart and sheer determination will lead them over the Evil Empire in a stunning upset, bringing peace and tranquility to the universe.
As this series has proven thus far, the Mavericks clearly don’t have the talent or athleticism that Miami possesses, but they do have heart.
The Heat, on the other hand, don’t necessarily lack heart, but they do lack consistency and moxie, especially during the fourth quarter.
And Miami clearly doesn’t have a plan to close out the Mavs, just as we’ve seen in the three games Dallas has won in which the Heat blew leads.
When James was supposedly penciled in as the go-to guy in the fourth, his disappearing acts have forced Wade to take up the slack.
But James’ fourth quarter woes really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Despite the media constantly gushing about his skills, James has never done anything to elevate his team when it mattered most.
With the Heat’s backs against the wall, everything James does or doesn’t do from this point forward matters now. If ever there was a time he was going to meet expectations, Game 6 would be the time to do it.
But don’t hold your breath. Good always overcomes evil.
