After sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks are the firm favourites to win the NBA Finals (Part-2)
Most Experienced team left
Play-off experience counts a great deal especially when competing in the ultimate rounds of the playoffs. In the past, we have often seen emerging teams being knocked out by the veterans, who have been in the challenge before. Considering that the two most experienced teams, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, are already knocked out, the Boston Celtics are the only rivals left to compete Dallas in terms of the post-season experience on the roster.
However, the Celtics are struggling against the staggering talent of the Miami’s big-3 trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and are down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semi-final series. This has opened up the gate for the Mavs.
The Mavs have a number of players in their roster who carry play-off experience. The 38-year-old Jason Kidd is playing his 15th season and is one of the most experienced players in the league, in terms of post-season games.
Since 2000-2001, Dirk Nowitzki has spearheaded Dallas in all of the play-off matchups, whereas Jason Terry is also playing his seventh play-off series since he joined the franchise in 2004-2005.
Dirk Nowitzki
The All-Star Dirk Nowitzki is having a phenomenal season once again and he is one of the major reasons Dallas Mavericks are favourites for the championship title this year. Although Zach Randolph, Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade are also performing extraordinarily, however the power forward has been the man to look out for in the play-offs.
Nowitzki is averaging 26.5 points and 8.40 rebounds per game and continues to lead the team with example. The sharp-shooting forward is a constant double-double threat and is considered as one of the best shooter in the league. He hits almost 88% from the charity strip, connects nearly 50% of his field goal attempts and almost 40% from beyond the arc.
Most of all, the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Championship ring are the only two things missing from his resume, which makes him all the more lethal.
Bench Play
Dallas bench plays have improved a lot this year. The Mavs reserves are led by Terry, who is averaging 18.3 points in the play-offs so far. Any team that makes it so deep inside the playoffs requires a significant support from the bench especially down the stretch when the starters begin to feel the heat.
The Mavericks have an excellent track record in that aspect. In fact their bench has been most influential in this year’s playoffs.
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