A Eulogy For Finalists

Duplication is difficult. Achieving one championship series is exceptional. Achieving consecutive championship series is virtually implausible. The NBA is this rule’s exception. The Boston Celtics captured ten championships in twelve seasons. The Chicago Bulls garnered six in eight campaigns. The Los Angeles Lakers scored three consecutive titles. The San Antonio Spurs tallied three rings in seven seasons.

Last week, the defending NBA finalists were eliminated. The Bulls swept the champion Miami Heat. The Golden State Warriors upset the Western Conference winning Dallas Mavericks. Last season, each won twelve pre-finals contests. This season, they combined for two victories.

Dallas accrued 67 regular season wins. However, owner and star whining trumped focus. Their former coach stunned them. This was the second straight series Dallas could not close. Despite a 2-0 edge, they lost last season’s championship. Despite superior talent, they forfeited this series. Their effort was appalling. Their results horrendous.

Miami scored 44 regular season victories. Versus Chicago, they were visibly old. Shaquille O’Neal appeared exhausted. Gary Payton was ancient. Pat Riley’s tactics were ineffective. The remaining cast resembled a street squad. Clearly, this season demonstrated the obvious. Last season, the Heat were simply fortunate.

Dallas and Miami failed for contrasting reasons. The Mavericks were arrogant and unfocused. The Heat were aged and feeble. With that stated, their failures were not surprising. Yes, both were the NBA’s standard in 2005-2006. However, neither are cornerstone franchises. Each was merely the moment’s beneficiary.