In what turned out to be a common theme of this 2011 NBA post season, The Oklahoma City Thunder blew yet another lead in the fourth quarter, and this time it shut the door on their season. Three times this series Mavs veteran superstar Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas back from Oklahoma City deficits. All series long it was Kevin Durant getting it for three and a half quarters, while Dirk was getting it done through all four. Even Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook's 30 point, 8 rebound, 6 assist night wasn't enough to stop another late game Dallas charge.
So while Durant left the floor disappointed in search of his trademark back pack, Dirk remained along with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and hoisted the Western Conference Title Trophy in the air. Cuban took to the mic to thank all the Dallas fans in attendance for believing in the team when no one else did. Then playing to the already amped American Airline Center crowd he exclaimed "And where not done yet."
Maybe Cuban is right, maybe they aren't done yet. After blowing a 2-0 Finals lead in 2006 to the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks have endured disappointment after disappointment since. Now the only remaining members of that disappointment club are Maverick players Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, along with their outspoken owner Mark Cuban. But don't worry about the others, they know how big the stakes are this season. One thing they also know is the opponent ironically looks to be the Miami Heat, who until this season had seen their fair share of bad luck since winning it all in 06'. Led by veterans Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chander, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Terry, and of course Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas has also been getting sparks from some of their young guys such as JJ Barea. But will it be enough? That is the question, and one we will find the answer to soon enough.
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