Did we somehow jump in a time machine and land back in 2006? It sure seems that way until you realize that LeBron James is standing next to Dwyane wade instead of Shaq. No, this is the 2011 NBA finals and even though the Miami Heat's opponent is the same as 2006, they are vastly different. Both are the same, but different.
Only two members of the Heat team that won it all in 06' remain on this 2011 roster (Wade, Haslem), and the same could be said about the Mavericks (Nowitzki, Terry). The Heat also have one other member with a ring (Eddie House), but do not expect him to play much at all this series.
The Mavericks are the older, more seasoned team. They have a lot of players with tons of miles on their treads, but with those miles comes years of experience. Miami is the younger, more athletic team that has finally seemed to bring it all together at the right time and looks almost unstoppable. These Finals are going to be fun to watch, that is for sure...but for now let us do the usual player by player comparison.
Point Guard: Mike Bibby vs Jason Kidd
Bibby played very well against Derrick Rose in the last round of the playoffs. Kidd is another tough match up, but this is one that Bibby should have an easier time to defend. Kidd is one of the best assist makers in the NBA today, and even at 38 years of age he still manages to find his own shots and find open shots for all his teammates on the floor. you can not leave him open, and you can not let him create space or he will eat you alive. Bibby has not performed well at all in these playoffs, but that does not mean he can't turn it around with some three point makes and some nice, quality minutes on the court. Still, I feel that Jason Kidd, despite being a lot older, still holds the advantage in this position. His experience and knack for making all the right plays keep him playing right alongside the NBA's best in this position.
Advantage: Dallas
Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade vs DeShawn Stevenson
Let us be perfectly honest: Wade should by all accounts have a huge edge against Stevenson. He is no Bogans, he can't defend like Iguodala, and he is not the offensive threat that Ray Allen is. Don't get me wrong, Keith Bogans is not that great either, but Mr. DeShawn is a lesser version of Bogans if that tells you anything. Wade SHOULD have the advantage in the series. He should be the X-factor for the Heat when they needs runs. I say should because no one knows the extent of Wade and his phantom injury. Is he injured or was he just tired? Who knows. I hope he is healthy and as close to 100% as he can be, because if that is the case then he will have a great series against the Mavs...once again.
Advantage: Flash
Small Forward: LeBron James vs Shawn Marion
Will the King without a crown finally reclaim his spot on the top of the NBA world? If he continues to play at this level, then I believe so. LeBron James has looked almost as unstoppable as he was supposed to look ever since he came into the league. His size, strength and speed combination is unparallel. He has found a jump shot that works. His post game is strong. he can drive to the basket at will. He collapses defenses and finds open teammates for uncontested jumpers. He has been doing it all this post season. When his team needed a boost, he gave it to them. When his all star teammates needed someone to carry the load, he let everyone jump on his back. he is doing it and dong it well and personally I don't think Marion can stop him. Marion did well enough against Kevin Durant in the Western Conference Finals, but KD is no LBJ and I think Marion will find that out the hard way.
Advantage: King James
Power Forward: Chris Bosh vs Dirk Nowitzki
For each of these comparisons I have been a huge Bosh supporter. I have been backing him ever since the entire media outlet started calling him overrated and exposed. I know Bosh has the talent to play with the best of the best and this match up is against the best. Dirk Nowitzki, the seven footer jump shooting German is hungry for a title. He was close in 06', but Wade stole it right in front of his eyes. he is back now, and playing at an even higher level then before. Bosh is great, but Dirk has the edge in this one. It is going to take all of the 6'11'' Miami big man to just keep Dirk from going too crazy. If Miami wants to win these Finals, Bosh along with James and Haslem are going to have to play the best defense of their careers to stop the Dallas juggernaut. Bosh will get his, but hopefully anyone who defends Dirk with hold him at bay. Stopping, or containing Dirk will be the key for Miami to win it all in these Finals.
Advantage: The Hoff
Center: Joel Anthony vs Tyson Chandler
Joel Anthony is such a liability on offense it is a shame that Miami does not have any better options to throw out there in these games. Tyson Chandler is a great story. Thought of as garbage and thrown out of his former teams, the Mavs pick him up thinking he would be a decent back up Center for Brendan Haywood. Somehow Chandler finds his second wind in Dallas and fights back into the starting lineup of this squad. Give his coach all the credit, because Chandler looked to have lost his fire and passion for the game before this season started. He is a good Center. He plays like Joakim Noah, but is able to collect more rebounds and is thriving from the play of his point guard Jason Kidd. Anthony's teammates try to get him the ball, but he plays so clunky on offense, the ball just seems to bounce right out of his hands. Anthony can defend great, but Chandler provides a much more overall player in the Center position.
Bench:
Miami has an eight man rotation which might grow to nine if Coach Spolestra wants to add James Jones into the line up. Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller are the three players that come off the bench and give the Big 3 time to rest. Haslem and Miller are the unexpected players that stepped up in the last series for Miami. if they can continue to provide that boost they added against Chicago, then Miami won't need too much of anyone else to contribute.
On the flip side, Dallas has a whole slew of players to relieve their starters. Jason Terry, J.J. Barea, Brendan Haywood, Corey Brewer, Peja Stojakovic, and maybe Ronny Beaubois are all threats off the bench. Terry is the biggest concern for Miami since he can drive and also nail crucial three pointers. In fact, Dallas has the best three point shooters in the game if you think about it. Terry, Kidd, Stojakovic, and Nowitzki are all big time three point aces. Dallas just has more option then Miami if someone is having an off night or in foul trouble.
Advantage: Dallas
In short, both teams have strong and weak points. Dallas is a powerful offensive team with great wing scorers, but their defense is invisible. Miami has a bunch of talented players who can play both sides of the ball and have one of the best transition offense in the league, but their depth is lacking. Both have All Star players and future Hall of Famers on their rosters. My gut tells me that Miami, despite their shortcomings has enough to win it all this year. They have blown by all of the opposition, and I think Dallas is the final step in the redemption song for LeBron James and company.
Miami in 6. GO HEAT!
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