Mavericks Stay Classy, James Unprofessional in Finals Game 4

COMMENTARY | Despite all of the hype in the other direction, the Dallas Mavericks were able to down the Miami Heat in the fourth game of the NBA Finals 86-83. The win evened the series at two victories apiece.

Mike Bresnahan has posted an article on the L.A. Times titled "Dirk Nowitzki carries Mavericks as LeBron James disappears."

The Heat has been micro-managed by the press. Everything the team does and the players say "means something." They are supposed to win this championship. The problem is they are mere mortals and I don't think they are willing to pay the same price as the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks were down by nine points with 10 minutes left in the game. As Bresnahan reports, the Dallas public address announcer made an announcement that wasn't supposed to be heard but was supposed to be heard. In other words, he let some comments be heard "accidentally." Did that inspire the home team?

From that point forward, the Mavericks allowed the Heat just nine more points -- their defense was something. In fact, at the beginning of the game, the Mavericks came out with full-court defense.

I was glad the Mavericks got the win. Dirk Nowitzki had a fever due to a sinus infection. However, he works all the time with a shooting coach, so his scoring is automatic. LeBron James, well, once again he got a foul by "flopping;" the whole world saw what type of player he really is. Of course, when you spend more time practicing your flop than your shot, you will tend to fade in the fourth quarter.

You can see James' flop here. Make sure you watch it all the way through. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle was hit with a technical because he raised his hands. So, Miami got three points and the ball on James' phony move. Note how he pushes the defender and then bounds away like he has been pushed. What's amazing is the ref was right there.

It is unfortunate that when you watch a professional basketball game you don't necessarily get professional play.

If you consider the fact that the Heat was probably given a free three-pointer in Game 3 and won by two, it is only justice that Dallas was able to battle back and win by three points despite a phony play like LeBron's.

References:

You Tube Website, "LeBron James' flop on Brendan Haywood: 2011 NBA Finals Game 4"

Los Angeles Times' Website, Mike Bresnahan, "Dirk Nowitzki carries Mavericks as LeBron James disappears"