HoopsHype.com Columns

Great playoff run could end with a thud
by Eddie Johnson / June 7, 2006

Up until this year, we could always pencil in what two teams would be in the Finals based on how defensive-minded they were and who had the dominant superstars. This made predictions very boring and betting a lot less fun.

Now welcome to the new NBA, where parity and excitement runs rampant. This undoubtedly has been the best playoff run for the NBA since Larry Bird and Magic Johnson arrived on the scene and then turned it over to Air Jordan.

The first-round series, usually full of sweeps, only had one – in the Dallas-Memphis series. This got us addicted and kept us tuned in.

The drama between the Suns and Lakers and the high-scoring matchup of LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas set the tone.

When we thought that was enough the near-upset of the Pistons and the elimination of the San Antonio Spurs in the second round was great TV.

The up-and-down chess match between Mike Dunleavy and Mike D’Antoni kept everyone guessing.

The rejuvenated Miami Heat, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade had critics changing their tune about the Shaq's overweight and the old supporting cast.

We saw stars stepping forward and potential stars stepping out.

Boris Diaw took the biggest step forward of any potential star in the playoffs and mainly because of how far he has had to come from. Diaw showed everyone what a wonderful talent he is and how bright his future looks. Josh Howard was a close second. He will be an All-Star for a number of years with his great versatility

Wade, Shaq, Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Elton Brand, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Gilbert Arenas and Chauncey Billups all had great playoff runs. Usually you can have one or two stars have a subpar playoff, but not this year. They were all very consistent individual performers for their perspective teams.

Now we get ready for the Finals between the Mavericks and the Heat. Here is where I get scared and nervous that my ride of excitement could end.

Why?

Pat Riley.

I remember Showtime with Magic and Kareem. I remember James Worthy and Byron Scott running the lanes. But I also remember the beat 'em up/slow down Knicks with Derek Harper walking the ball up and Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason and Xavier McDaniel playing Wrestlemania in the paint. I remember John Starks going 2 for 100 in one of the ugliest Finals ever between the Houston Rockets and the Knicks. I honestly thought that stretch of playoff basketball was the worst of our existence.

So now you should understand why all of us should be worried that our high could be disrupted by hockeyball instead of basketball.

I understand that the Heat cannot and will not try and run with the Mavericks, but the way the Heat got to the Finals was enjoyable and if they are to win in this series they better try and get as many easy baskets as possible because they will not outshoot the Mavericks in a half-court game. The Mavericks can go big with Erick Dampier or DeSagana Diop as well, although their best lineup is the combination of Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry and either Keith Van Horn, Adrian Griffin or Devin Harris.

So here’s hoping Riley allows Wade to run free and allows Shaq to stay in when the Mavericks go small. Let’s hope Riley even forces the Mavericks to go big by playing Alonzo Mourning and Shaq together. This is the kind of intrigue I am looking forward to.

I am interested to see if Gary Payton, Antoine Walker and Mourning can be the difference. I wonder what mind games Pat Riley will employ against first-time Finals coach Avery Johnson.

I want to see if Dirk Nowitzki can continue to play like the most dominant player in the playoffs.

I’m ready. I have been ready for the last two months. I just hope Pat Riley does not take us all down with one big thud.

By the way, I think the Heat will win in 6. But if the Mavericks win, I will be happy because I love Avery Johnson.

Eddie Johnson is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com

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