The German Thunder Horse seems like a hungrier player than LeBron James. GTH is thirty-two years old, and is in the waning years of his career, but what a wonderful twilight it is. His heart and passion to win the title is uncanny, probably because he knows there is only a few more years to get it done. He is also playing this series with an injured middle finger on his left hand, and he was running a fever over a hundred in game four. LeBron on the other hand, is twenty-six, and that same passion has not shown up for him yet, probably because he got to pick his team and pick his teammates.
He actually tried in Cleveland, and it is a shame he left the way he did, because that team work ethic is lacking from him. GTH never had the opportunity to dictate to Mavs owner, and Pittsburgh native, Mark Cuban how to build the team, but rather has to integrate and form bonds with his teammates. I think that teamwork is now separating the Mavs and Heat. I feel the Mavs will indeed wrap up this series. A few Mavs (the immortal Jason Kidd comes to mind) can finally get that ring and go home after an incredible Hall of Fame career.
LeBron appears much less hungry, as he has been “the Chosen One” since finishing high school. I think that the media and us fans had appointed him king and just expected that he would win championships in Jordan-like fashion. The reality is however, he probably feels the same way, even though GTH is currently outscoring him in the 4th quarter fifty-two to eleven!
But on the other hand, another embarassing Finals slip up, and I guarantee LeBron will be hungry enough and try harder than he ever has at winning the championship. Right now I wouldn’t even ask LeBron to change a dollar for me, as I’d only get three quarters out of him. I think that this year though, the Mavs, and their king, Dirk, have all the heart and hunger. GTH’s plate is full and he realized that he will need work to complete finishing his plate. LeBron’s plate, while also full, is being ignored because he’s having dessert already. I think this series now belongs to the Mavericks, but this loss will put LeBron in a place where he’s going to realize how much he wants and needs that trophy, and from that point on, could potentially break off some championships of his own.
The series is currently being led by the Mavs, three to two, with game six on Sunday back in Miami. As a Pittsburgh fan and resident, basketball was never high on my radar, but the Cavaliers were close in proximity and had that superstar that could draw me to games. But when the Heat assembled in that shameful manner during the offseason, I lost all interest in watching the NBA. The Mavericks are absolutely proving me wrong, and I don’t even mind if the Heat are in the Finals every year now. Talent on paper is one thing, but passion on the court is transcendence.
By: Dan Dolney
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