DIRK DOIN WORK

DIRK DOIN' WORK -
By Nick Hamilton

In 2006 Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was so close, up two games to none on Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat, until he was stunned four straight games and had to watch Miami win his championship. The next five years would prove to have many downs and few ups, however Dirk never stopped working on improving his game.

Now in 2011, Dirk may have an opportunity for a rematch in the NBA Finals against Miami, but he has to get through the playoffs successfully. After putting away the two time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Dirk is determined to bring an NBA championship to the city of Dallas. As he continues his quest, his latest roadblock is Kevin Durant and the Thunder from Oklahoma City. In an electric atmosphere at American Airlines Center, the Thunder had no answer for Dirk, as he came out on fire hitting his first 10 of 11 shots. Though the Mavs came out a little sluggish, yet midway through the first quarter picked up their intensity on both ends of the floor and never really looked back. The late night shooting sessions paid off during their nine day break, because Dirk scored 21 points in the first half alone, sending a message that the he and the Mavs would not show signs of any lay off rust.

The second half proved no different, as Dirk continued right where he left off, Thunder forwards Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka, Kevin Durant, and James Harden tried to stop or slow down Nowitzki, but no success. Thunder coach Scott Brooks even through Kendrick Perkins to guard and he picked quick fouls. It wasn't all Dirk, Jason Terry was absolute lights out as he dropped 24 points off the bench along with the little big man JJ Berea who had a sensational night dropping 21 points. Game 1 belonged to Dirk as he put on a prime time performance dropping 48 points, 12-15 shooting from the field, and set a record passing Celtic guard Paul Pierce's record of 21 straight free throws made, going 24-24 from the free throw line.

Ironically the Thunder went to the line more than Dallas did during the game. However Dallas' defense was able to shut down a hot Russell Westbrook who came off a triple-double performance in Game 7 against Memphis, to only have 20 points, 3 assist, 3 rebounds. Kevin Durant had a big game dropping 40 points, 18-19 from the free throw line.

Dirk was asked about his MVP like performance "I was really looking to shoot early and was able to get my rhythm after the first couple of shots. I kept attacking and my teammates kept feeding me. I'm just glad we found a way to win."

Dallas dominated beating Oklahoma City 121-112, don't let the score fool you, it was a much more wide open game than it appears.

Kevin Durant had a positive spin on the loss "We can't get discouraged, he [Dirk] is going to get his shots with a hand in his face or not. We have to be ready."

How will Oklahoma City respond in Game 2, will Dirk come close to his performance in Game 1, will Westbrook need a triple-double to get the Thunder the split they need? Find out in the next episode of The Western Conference Finals Game 2 on Thursday.

*Editor's note Dallas lost Game 2, the Thunder held Dirk to just 29 points. Series is now tied 1-1 as they head back Oklahoma City on Saturday for Game 3. Will Dirk make a strong comeback in Game 3?*

Can Lebron Take The Heat? By Nick Hamilton

After an emotional win against the Boston Celtics, have we all witnessed the evolution and maturity of Lebron James before our eyes? Yes, and it wasn't overnight, yet over the course of this season. James' maturity also showed after the game by shaking hands with various Celtic players as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, notably Delonte West, and coach Doc Rivers. Lebron in a post game press conference gave a lot of credit to the Celtics, and their intense defense. Lebron realized that in order for him to win a championship, he would have to go through the Celtics. From that understanding, James having the right personnel gave him a greater chance of beating the Celtics, & knew Miami would be the right fit. After having an outstanding game which turned out to be an emotional series for him, Lebron has emerged as that elite clutch superstar many have stated he is, and some like myself have waited to see.

Although we must be careful not to crown him too soon, he has to make it up the mountain top to capture the brass ring of an NBA championship. And with the help of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and role players of the Heat, who are clicking on all cylinders, James finally seems to have the tools needed for him to accomplish that goal. Lebron in a post game press conference gave a lot of credit to the Celtics and how this road to a championship is far from over. Both Him & Wade said “just because we got past the Celtics, doesn't mean we still don't have a long way to go. And believe next year, teams like the Lakers and Celtics will be back stronger next season. Both franchises have what, 17 & 16 championships amongst them, and we [Miami] have one, so we have alot of work to do”. James also apologized for how "The Decision" took place saying "The way it panned out with all the friends and family and fans back home, I apologize for the way it happened. ... As much as I loved my teammates back in Cleveland, as much as I loved home, I knew I couldn't do it by myself against that [Boston] team".

Outside of the state of Ohio for the most part, there is some hatred for Lebron James. The biggest problem of I believe where "the hatred” came from is from the media, forcing him down many of our throats, instead of allowing us the choice to like Lebron or not. We were told how great he is and he is a dynamic, outstanding player. However greatness does come with winning. And correct me if I'm wrong, but in our modern day society, its about winning (awards, championships, etc.). Its been eight years and still no championship for Lebron. Now to fair to his credit, it took Michael Jordan seven years before he won his first title, so he’s still in that window, but the time has got to be now for James.

With the Los Angeles Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs out of the playoff picture, Lebron and the Heat have a greater chance of winning a title.
Can The King bring South Beach a ring? They have a tough series against MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Sunday in Game 1 in Chicago.
Lebron’s legacy no doubt will continue to be defined throughout the the rest of the playoffs, can he deliver??