The Dallas Mavericks may just supplant their good neighbor Cowboys as ?America?s Team? with the beating of the much-ballyhooed Miami Heat for the NBA Championship. Americans, and people in general, love rooting for the underdog. With the Heat being the favorite, it was no surprise that the Mavs had the heart of America. But with the ?Decision? as is the current legacy of LeBron James still fresh in the hearts and minds of the masses, the dislike of the Heat is palpable.
The Heat has their fans but it seems as though for every fan of the team from South Beach, there are two others from somewhere else that almost despises them. There?s little doubt that the Heat – with The Big Three – will eventually win an NBA Championship, but most people lamented the possibility of a win this year.
Basketball purists and those who are not so pure pulled for the Mavericks as if it was their favorite hometown team. Admittedly so, in most major sports when its the Finals there?s always a rooting interest, but the decimal point for Heat vs. Mavericks reached a scorching temperature. Folks wanted the Goliath to get stoned right between the eyes.
Did they bring it upon themselves? To an extent, they have all but admitted it. In the aftermath or afterglow of the decision and pep rally at the America Airlines Arena that followed the signing, NBA teams were gearing up for Game Seven throughout the season.
All through the season, the Heat lambasted inferior competition, but against teams with winning records they struggled mightily. That goes to show a few things: NBA scouting isn?t a joke. Teams weren?t amused, intimidated or impressed with the roster and how it was all brought together. And lastly, NBA players themselves have a great deal of pride.
Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzky, already a first ballot hall-of-famer, just secured himself into all-time great status. No, he?s not in the Top 10 discussion yet, but one thing is certain. If the NBA were to ever redo their NBA Top 50 of all-time list or decide to expand the list from what?s already on it, Dirk would certainly join it and it would be a well-deserved honor.? After 13 years of playoff failure and flops even, the Mavericks are the NBA?s crown jewel.
Follow Jerald on Twitter @ JerryHoover65
