Thursday, June 08, 2006

2006 NBA Finals: How They Got Here

Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks

Regular Season-
Miami started the season with many new players, but the same coach, Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy resigned early in the season and pat Riley took over. Miami coasted to a #2 seed without much effort.

Dallas battled with San Antonio for the top seed in the West all season. Because of the bizarre seeding system, Dallas finished with the West's 2nd best record, but the #4 seed. Avery John won Coach of the Year in his first full season at the helm.

Playoffs-
Miami-
1st round- The Heat beat the Chicago Bulls 4-2. At first, Chicago was too quick, but the Heat's experience and talent won them the series.

Conference Semis- The Heat beat the New Jersey Nets 4-1. After Game 1, the Nets never had a chance.

Conference Finals- Miami made up for last year's loss to the Detroit Pistons in the East Final, winning 4-2. Detroit's reign atop the East ended.

Dallas-
1st round- Dallas swept the Memphis Grizzlies.

Conference Semis- In a great series between the West's 2 best teams, Dallas beat the Spurs in San Antonio in Game 7.

Conference Finals- Tim Thomas of the Phoenix Suns blew Dirk Nowitzki a kiss in Game 5. Nowitszki answered with 50 points. The Mavs made up an 18 point deficit on the road in Game 6 to win their first conference championship and oust former Mav, MVP Steve Nash.

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