The Basketball Gods Strike

Could the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks be any more different?

One was favored to win it all, while the other wasn't expected to pass the first round of the playoffs. One features three All-Stars, while the other only employs one. One team features a core of players in their physical prime, and the other plays a crew that appears to be on its last legs.

Miami was built with the idea that three great scorers could carry any cast of players. Dallas won because they crafted a solid group of role players to back their high-scoring leader. The Heat gave the public the idea that they were entitled to success, but the Mavericks fought like their legacies depended on it.

In the end, Miami's inability to close games became there downfall. Dallas executed beautifully down the stretch to both seal and steal victories. Years from now we'll remember this series for Lebron's below average performances and Dirk's late game heroics.

Champs at last.

It was the unexpected names like Kidd, Matrix, Terry, and Barea making a great impact on a championship run. Something about this narrative felt right. Much of the public just didn't want to see King James claim his throne. For all of the immense talent he possesses, he hasn't sold many on his attitude. Nearly a year after "The Decision", sports fans from all corners still have strong opinions on the NBA's supposed "best player".

Through this unpredictable playoffs, Dirk has shaken his "soft" label, earned a ring, and placed himself amongst the all-time greats. It helps that in the process he helped to earn some other ring-less vets their first title.

Nowitzki's story worked under the ideology that hard work and loyalty will pay off. Those are some of the same things that Lebron has struggled to prove to people the past few years. He left his original team (in dramatic fashion) and hasn't seemed to address the weakest parts of his game.

Reserved for greats to do.

The Basketball Gods were at work in the 2011 Finals, humbling the Miami Heat in the most effective way possible: defeat. I have no doubt that they will return next season with a better team and renewed focus. Until then, the rest of the nation will enjoy this moment.