No Regard Recaps: Shocking the World

We've got ourselves an NBA finals folks. The Mavericks clawed their way back from what looked to be a 4th quarter deficit far too deep to overcome. The series, and glorious NBA season, was fading right in front of our eyes as Wade's off-balance three-pointer in front of the Dallas bench slammed the nail in the coffin. "Three-ball, corner-pocket," Mark Jackson proclaimed while LeBron gleefully pretended to be a boxer, feigning punches on D-Wade's stomach as Miami's shooting-guard flashed his pearly-whites.

But then shit started going down. Kidd nailed an open three, Jet hit a 15-footer and the Matrix dropped a clever pass to Dirk in transition. As rapidly as the season seemed lost, just as quickly, Dirk was raising his hand, doing the German three-point symbol and nabbing a small lead.

Yet, it was his game-winning shot that was the most dramatic moment of the night. With the contest knotted at 93 and Miami armed with a foul to give, Dirk faced up Bosh, spun to his left and calmly windowed in the lay-up. Bosh's horrendous offensive night was overshadowed by the image of him being scorched by Big D's bigman. In the former Raptor's defense, Miami's double came way late, and just about anyone faced with the task of shutting down Dirk would have been schooled. Except for perhaps the most malleable defender in the league, LeBron James.

Coach Spo must take much of the blame for this monumental collapse. He allowed his team to rush shots down the stretch in whatever capacity they felt like. He didn't require them to slow the tempo, didn't foul Dirk on the last possession and didn't utilize Bron's defensive capabilities efficiently. Miami had a chance to put a stranglehold on the Finals and mentally broke down. It could be costly for them.

What I've gained most from this game is that the Mavericks have a group of guys that believe in themselves and don't give a fuck about much of anything. Could be a wild ride the rest of the way.

In Cold Blood With A Toothpick

For a league in which the current trend seems to be all about budding young superstars, the Dallas Mavericks proved that age and cunning can still beat youth and vigor. Carried on the shoulders of one of the most remarkable individual shooting performances in conference finals history, the Mavs bested OKC 4-1, in a series that was more closely contested than its final scoreline.

It's obvious to point to Nowitzki's lights-out shooting as the main catalyst for success in Dallas this year, but Cuban's army received contributions from many different parties.

There was the ridiculously smart point-guard play from veteran Jason Kidd who, lost in all of this, has his third chance now to finally obtain the NBA's most precious jewelry. The inside presence of Tyson Chandler, whose passion for rebounding and defense compliment Dirk's offensive mastery to perfection. Jet Terry did what he's always done, hit shots and then spread his arms out like that of an airplane. Shawn Marion's resurgence, J.J. Barea's slicing penetration... the list goes on.

Up next for Big D is most likely the Miami Heat, who will provide an immense challenge. I'm tickled thinking about some of these matchups: Bron on Dirk, DeShawn on Bron, that crazy $5 bill tattoo on DeShawn, the ballsy Larry O'Brien trophy tattoo on Jet, Jet on Super Nintendo Chalmers, Super Nintendo Chalmers on J.J. Barea, J.J. Barea on Mike Bibby, Mike Bibby on Jason Kidd in the 2011 NBA Finals!

It should be a hell of a series, if for no other reason than we'll be seeing (barring history by the Chicago Bulls) the two best teams in the playoffs led by the two best players in the playoffs. While Dallas might feel somewhat satisfied knowing that many of the "experts" didn't even pick them to beat Portland in the first round, they know that right now second place will not satisfy the public. We need them to be more than an also-ran.

Shock the world, Dallas Mavericks.

No Regard Daily Previews: Throwing Down Ain't Nothing But A Thang

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

In typical Dirk-era Dallas fashion, the Mavericks have been piping hot so far this regular season, most recently rattling off nine victories in a row. In typical Curry-era Golden State fashion, the Warriors haven't played any defense so far this regular season, allowing 106.9 points per contest, which ranks them 28th in the league.

Cuban's boys are defending the shit out of the ball, allowing only 92.2 points per game. Shocking, I know, for a team whose nucleus is made up of 67-year-old Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki who, in the past, played as if he'd rather take a swift kick to the nuts than actually try and check opposing bigmen in the post. This whole, allegiance-to-defending gig is a massive step for a team that has championship aspirations. Dirk could easily find himself bodied up against a particularly dexterous Spaniard come May, so everything he's doing now to learn how to defend down low is pivotal.

As for Golden State, don't tell Monta Ellis and Steph Curry that their team doesn't worry about defending.