“We ain’t done yet”

That was the emphatic ending of an emotional rant by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

I suppose that we’ll have to excuse his emotion, as he just recently became the owner of the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks.

Following another frantic fourth quarter comeback, the Mavericks closed out the Oklahoma Thunder, 100-96. In an act that we’ve seen quite often in this series, Dallas outscored Oklahoma City 17-6 over the final 5:28 of the game.

Throughout the game, all indications were that the Thunder would at least be playing one more game in this series. Point guard Russell Westbrook was in attack mode all night, putting up 31 points. Super sub James Harden was indeed super. He was the primary catalyst in the Thunder’s game plan, running the pick and roll effectively and ending with 23 points (7-11 FG, 8-10 FT) and 6 assists. Regular season scoring champ Kevin Durant wasn’t efficient, but still managed 23 points.

But as crunch time approached, neither of those three could tangle with Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki, who has been practically unguardable against his last two opponents (Lakers, Thunder), made the three-pointer that put Dallas in the lead with 1:14 left in the game. He also iced the contest by nailing two free throws to establish an insurmountable four point advantage.

Nowitzki was that one clear, uncontrollable force that determined the course of this series. He was the best player in the Western Conference Finals, and he proved it each night.

But are they done yet?

Unlike Durant, Nowitzki found a way to get key buckets when his team needed them.

While the Bulls are still competing against the Heat, it’s abundantly clear who the victors of that series will be. That would be the team with three top notch offensive weapons.

So, let’s do a bit of foreshadowing, shall we? The Mavs will continue to ride Dirk as far as he can take them, and I believe that they have reached their final resting place. Nowitzki will get his points against Miami, but will he dominate and control the flow of the game? Not hardly in the fashion that he has against his Western Conference foes.

Given that Westbrook and Harden penetrated into the lane at will, Dallas will definitely have a problem stopping more accomplished penetrators like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Miami defensive prowess, coupled with its extreme athleticism will ultimately be too much for the Mavericks.

So, Cuban – just sit back, relax and enjoy the moment. It’ll be at least another year before you celebrate another postseason series win.

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