Kevin Jackman

Written by Kevin Jackman, follow us on Twitter- @kjackmansports or Facebook.com/jackmansports   

Boy has this been an absolutely amazing series. Coming in to Game 6, these two teams have a scoring difference of only four points. We have seen Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Lebron James and Dwyane Wade all put up Final’s MVP-type performances. It has been a series of hot streaks and dry spells, trash talking and altercations. Unfortunately with the NBA’s future labor situation is on the very near horizon,  these exciting Finals could be the last hoo-rah for pro-basketball fans for a while. Looks like we’re going out with a bang in south beach, the same place where the NBA season seemingly started its year with “The Decision”.

For two teams that faced adversity all season long, they look refreshed and eager to slug it out until the fat lady sings, even AARP member- Jason Kidd. Dirk Nowitzki has battled a legitimate ailment in the form of a nasty cold, while the entire Miami squad have suffered from their own made up injuries that last just long enough to satisfy the referees (see Acting 101).

This very well may have been the last run Jason Kidd could have made in his incredible career, which would have result in being a first-ballot Hall of Famer with our without a ring. Same goes for the likes of the resurgent Shawn Marion, Peja Stojakovic and maybe even Dirk Nowitzki.

But this night goes to Mark Cuban, Rick Carlisle and most importantly Dirk Nowitzki. They have been here before, losing in the 2006, ironically, to the Miami Heat after taking a 2-0 series lead. This time, it was the Heat who took the commanding lead and the Mavs responded with the kind of poise that can only be expected from Dirk and Kidd.

While the focus should be on the Dallas Mavericks, the spot light will surely be shared by the Heat. Lebron James will probably be scrutinized for leaving the court early without congratulating the Mavs on their Championship. But who cares?

What a sweet moment for the Mavs. And what an amazing gesture made by Mark Cuban to hand the spotlight over to the original owner of the Mavericks, something that just goes to show what an outstanding owner Cuban really is. While some people simply rooted for Dallas out of their hatred for the Heat, the Mav deserve NBA fan’s utmost respect.

Dirk Nowitzki may have gotten the MVP award but it was truly a team effort in this one, with the load being shared between Kidd, Terry, Marion, Chandler, Barea and of course Nowitzki. It was seriously an awesome Final to an immensely eventful season. While the Chicago Bulls were the team I was rooting for, the Mavericks were the only other team I could have wished to win the Championship.

So with that, kudos goes to the Heat for a good season, but special congrats goes out to the Mavericks and their magical run to the trophy.