I loved watching the postgame following Dallas’ 105-95 win over Miami when ESPN’s Jon Barry got a pat on the back for picking the Mavericks in six games.
To hear everyone in the media tell it, Barry was the only person who thought the Mavericks would beat the Heat, but of course that’s not true.
I predicted Dallas would win in six games too, as did anyone who understood what the Miami Heat were all about.
In fact, I predicted the Heat’s season would end in disappointment last year, shortly after ESPN wasted an hour of our time when LeBron James announced his “decision.”
No, I’m not clairvoyant nor am I an oracle. But unlike the fawning media, particularly those who work for ESPN, I knew James didn’t have what it takes to be a champion.
All the talent in the world doesn’t win championships; just ask Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant.
Miami’s weaknesses came to light in their series against Dallas, beginning with James and his obvious inability to will his team to victory.
Just as I predicted, Mavericks’ coach Rick Carlisle outclassed Miami’s Erik Spoelstra. When Dallas employed their zone defense, Miami was completely befuddled and never figured out a way to attack it.
And the Heat’s bench was no match for Dallas’ reserves, even after Brendan Haywood went down with an injury and Peja Stojakovic was woefully ineffective in the series first three games, losing his spot in the rotation to Brian Cardinal.
But the biggest difference in this series was Dallas’ heart. With every game tightly contested, the Mavericks were the team that owned the fourth quarter, or as Magic Johnson used to call it, “winning time.”
When winning time rolled around it was Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, J.J. Barea and Shawn Marion that stepped up, coming through in the clutch like champions do.
Conversely, the Heat wilted in the fourth quarter. James was virtually non-existent in Games 4, 5 and 6.
With his lack of leadership and moxie on full display, King James missed shots, committed turnovers or deferred to Dwyane Wade during the most crucial moments of the series.
As a result, Dallas hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy to claim the franchise’s first NBA title. It was a shining example of what can happen when a team effort is used against a team of individuals.
Miami had more talent, athleticism and home court advantage, but they couldn’t achieve their goal because they didn’t have a clue how to make it happen.
Throughout the history of the game, great players don’t always win championships. Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Dominique Wilkins are a few examples of players that had Hall of Fame careers but never won an NBA championship.
LeBron James still has plenty of time to win a title, but he’ll never reach the pinnacle until he recognizes his shortcomings and focuses on the sacrifices that are necessary for the benefit of the team.
This summer, that’s the only decision James needs to make. And if he doesn’t, this time next year we’ll be talking about the same reasons why he didn’t win an NBA championship.
