I mean it's different eras. So there was regular seats, which.

I mean it's different eras. So there was regular seats, which.

Are beautiful, and there was woods, which are beautiful too. So you probably see me when I started to be able to touch them woods, because the energy in the regular seats is unbelievable. Anywhere in that arena is beautiful, you were saying. But it's also a blessing to be able to sit on the woods right beside the heat and just feel that energy and hear the conversations and the thought processes and then the pressure, you.

Are beautiful, and there was woods, which are beautiful too. So you probably see me when I started to be able to touch them woods, because the energy in the regular seats is unbelievable. Anywhere in that arena is beautiful, you were saying. But it's also a blessing to be able to sit on the woods right beside the heat and just feel that energy and hear the conversations and the thought processes and then the pressure, you.

Know, up coach and personal. It's a blessing.

Know, up coach and personal. It's a blessing.

Just about everyone who was anybody wanted to be near this Miami Heat team once things turned around, not just DJ Khaled. Welcome back to four years of Heat. I'm your host, Israel Dutierrez and this is episode three, The Big Failure. Last we checked, the Miami Heat were rolling into twenty eleven, winning twenty one of twenty two games. In fact, they'd won twenty two of twenty four, with the only two l's being those foreshadowing losses to the Dallas Mavericks. But there would be another formidable foe testing every last nerve of the Miami Heat. That team was the Chicago Bulls. But unlike the rivalry with the Mavericks, this conflict had a couple more layers to it. This one began before Miami even signed Bosh, Wade and James, because the Bulls were trying to do the exact same thing. Signed Bosh, Wade and James, probably in that order.

Just about everyone who was anybody wanted to be near this Miami Heat team once things turned around, not just DJ Khaled. Welcome back to four years of Heat. I'm your host, Israel Dutierrez and this is episode three, The Big Failure. Last we checked, the Miami Heat were rolling into twenty eleven, winning twenty one of twenty two games. In fact, they'd won twenty two of twenty four, with the only two l's being those foreshadowing losses to the Dallas Mavericks. But there would be another formidable foe testing every last nerve of the Miami Heat. That team was the Chicago Bulls. But unlike the rivalry with the Mavericks, this conflict had a couple more layers to it. This one began before Miami even signed Bosh, Wade and James, because the Bulls were trying to do the exact same thing. Signed Bosh, Wade and James, probably in that order.

We were trying to get all those guys to come to Chicago. You know, the goal was always to get the team as strong as possible.

We were trying to get all those guys to come to Chicago. You know, the goal was always to get the team as strong as possible.

That was Joe Kim Noah. He was a thirteen year NBA veteran, a two time All Star, and the Defensive Player of the Year in twenty fourteen. He also won a pair of national titles for my Florida Gators in college, which is probably an unnecessary note, but hey, the host gets a little leeway. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Bulls, and given that his teammate Derek Rose wasn't the most vocal or outgoing of stars, the gregarious Noah was offering his best recruiting pitches when Miami's trio were free agents in twenty ten.

That was Joe Kim Noah. He was a thirteen year NBA veteran, a two time All Star, and the Defensive Player of the Year in twenty fourteen. He also won a pair of national titles for my Florida Gators in college, which is probably an unnecessary note, but hey, the host gets a little leeway. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Bulls, and given that his teammate Derek Rose wasn't the most vocal or outgoing of stars, the gregarious Noah was offering his best recruiting pitches when Miami's trio were free agents in twenty ten.

But I remember Chris Bosh coming to Chicago and he wasn't sure yet. I could tell and I mean Chicago would have been such a good fit for himself. I always felt like if Bosh came that he could get those other guys too.

But I remember Chris Bosh coming to Chicago and he wasn't sure yet. I could tell and I mean Chicago would have been such a good fit for himself. I always felt like if Bosh came that he could get those other guys too.

This wasn't some desperate dream for Chicago either. Remember when Wade said he didn't talk to Lebron for a few days prior to the decision. Well, Wade wanted to make sure all his bases were covered before he resigned with Miami as well, and that meant checking in with his hometown team of Chicago one more time before committing. As Brian Windhorst a ESPN tells it, Wade made one final visit to Chicago with the very real intention of trying to bring the trio to a Bulls team already featuring Rose and Noah.

This wasn't some desperate dream for Chicago either. Remember when Wade said he didn't talk to Lebron for a few days prior to the decision. Well, Wade wanted to make sure all his bases were covered before he resigned with Miami as well, and that meant checking in with his hometown team of Chicago one more time before committing. As Brian Windhorst a ESPN tells it, Wade made one final visit to Chicago with the very real intention of trying to bring the trio to a Bulls team already featuring Rose and Noah.

When Dwayne Wade had two meetings with the Bulls, he didn't have that second meeting for fun. He was seriously wanting to listen to them. And the dynamics around that were very interesting because in the first meeting with the Bulls, the Bulls didn't give Dwayne Wade their entire pitch because they were afraid that Dwayne was going to take their ideas and their plans for free agency immediately back to the Heat, they thought they were getting a cursory meeting, and after meeting with the Heat and hearing the triple threat idea from pat Riley to get himself to stay and to add Bosh and Lebron, when Wade asked for the second meeting with the Bulls, he asked the Bulls if they could create enough salary cap space to be all to be able to bring in Bosh and Lebron, and so in a way, when the Bulls first met with Dwayne, they were concerned that he was going to be a mole, when in fact, at the end, it was actually Dwayne that took the Heat's plan to the Bulls and presented it because frankly, with Joe, Kim, Noah and Derek Rose on the roster, their team could have been even better with the big three than the Heat could have been.

When Dwayne Wade had two meetings with the Bulls, he didn't have that second meeting for fun. He was seriously wanting to listen to them. And the dynamics around that were very interesting because in the first meeting with the Bulls, the Bulls didn't give Dwayne Wade their entire pitch because they were afraid that Dwayne was going to take their ideas and their plans for free agency immediately back to the Heat, they thought they were getting a cursory meeting, and after meeting with the Heat and hearing the triple threat idea from pat Riley to get himself to stay and to add Bosh and Lebron, when Wade asked for the second meeting with the Bulls, he asked the Bulls if they could create enough salary cap space to be all to be able to bring in Bosh and Lebron, and so in a way, when the Bulls first met with Dwayne, they were concerned that he was going to be a mole, when in fact, at the end, it was actually Dwayne that took the Heat's plan to the Bulls and presented it because frankly, with Joe, Kim, Noah and Derek Rose on the roster, their team could have been even better with the big three than the Heat could have been.

In the end, the Bulls wound up signing free agent Carlos Boozer from Utah to add to their youthful mix of talent. With the Bulls having been the closest team outside of Miami or Cleveland to sign Lebron Boscher Wade, it provided the backdrop for what would be a contentious season between the teams. Noah and the Bulls settled comfortably into that rivalry, not just because they had a talented roster headed by a player who would be named MVP at the end of the season, but because they felt the support from around the country from people who wanted to see Miami fail.

In the end, the Bulls wound up signing free agent Carlos Boozer from Utah to add to their youthful mix of talent. With the Bulls having been the closest team outside of Miami or Cleveland to sign Lebron Boscher Wade, it provided the backdrop for what would be a contentious season between the teams. Noah and the Bulls settled comfortably into that rivalry, not just because they had a talented roster headed by a player who would be named MVP at the end of the season, but because they felt the support from around the country from people who wanted to see Miami fail.

There was a lot of people who hated the Heat, so we actually kind of felt like we were like the underdog, you know, the guys who had a chance to get them, and that was that was pretty cool, you know. I felt that not just for love from Chicago, but from from all around the country, you know, because there wasn't too many teams that could even compete with them.

There was a lot of people who hated the Heat, so we actually kind of felt like we were like the underdog, you know, the guys who had a chance to get them, and that was that was pretty cool, you know. I felt that not just for love from Chicago, but from from all around the country, you know, because there wasn't too many teams that could even compete with them.

Indeed, the Heat were thirty and eleven going into the first regular season meeting with the Bulls. Miami had lost too straight went without James to start a road trip, but it was nothing like the panicky losses from the start of the season. That is, until the Heat got to Chicago. January fifteenth was the first of three regular season losses to the Bulls, all agonizingly close games. And if there were major questions hovering around the Heat at the time, among them was the classic who lead the way late in a close game. Not so much for the ninety nine to ninety six first loss to the Bulls because Lebron sat that game out and Bosh was playing through an aggravated back injury. The second meeting with the Bulls happens five weeks later, again in Chicago. Here's where it really started to look like the Bulls had the Heat's number. Miami had its three stars available, but only two really showed up to play on this night. Bosh not only had his worst career shooting night, going one for eighteen from the field with Noah guarding him most of the night, but he had probably the floppiest moment of his career, falling to the ground and grabbing his face after Boozer maybe grazed it with his elbows.

Indeed, the Heat were thirty and eleven going into the first regular season meeting with the Bulls. Miami had lost too straight went without James to start a road trip, but it was nothing like the panicky losses from the start of the season. That is, until the Heat got to Chicago. January fifteenth was the first of three regular season losses to the Bulls, all agonizingly close games. And if there were major questions hovering around the Heat at the time, among them was the classic who lead the way late in a close game. Not so much for the ninety nine to ninety six first loss to the Bulls because Lebron sat that game out and Bosh was playing through an aggravated back injury. The second meeting with the Bulls happens five weeks later, again in Chicago. Here's where it really started to look like the Bulls had the Heat's number. Miami had its three stars available, but only two really showed up to play on this night. Bosh not only had his worst career shooting night, going one for eighteen from the field with Noah guarding him most of the night, but he had probably the floppiest moment of his career, falling to the ground and grabbing his face after Boozer maybe grazed it with his elbows.

Boser and Bosh.

Boser and Bosh.

Offensive time.

Offensive time.

Now did they collide?

Now did they collide?

That Ooser and Bosh collide for the offensive Albert, because all of Boozer did was turn right into him.

That Ooser and Bosh collide for the offensive Albert, because all of Boozer did was turn right into him.

This is all about selling it.

This is all about selling it.

Caw, which sometimes you've got.

Caw, which sometimes you've got.

To sell it.

To sell it.

And if it was support from the others Bosh was hoping for, he wouldn't get that either. The Heat bench scored all of two points in this game, and Eddie House, Bucket, Oh and Lebron, Wade and Bosh all played more than forty minutes in a regular season game in February. That's almost unthinkable in today's regular season NBA. Miami still only lost that game by four points. Then there was the third and final meeting of the season, the only one in Miami, just two weeks removed from the last matchup. This time, the Heat bench tripled its output, giving the Heat six wopping points from reserves. Rose out scored everyone with twenty seven points, and the Heat lost a one point game, scoring just eighty six points, the lowest total of the three meetings, and it was a painful finish that fed into all of the Heat teams and securities. Here's a portion of the NBA TV highlights from that night with Mark Fine and Brent Barry.

And if it was support from the others Bosh was hoping for, he wouldn't get that either. The Heat bench scored all of two points in this game, and Eddie House, Bucket, Oh and Lebron, Wade and Bosh all played more than forty minutes in a regular season game in February. That's almost unthinkable in today's regular season NBA. Miami still only lost that game by four points. Then there was the third and final meeting of the season, the only one in Miami, just two weeks removed from the last matchup. This time, the Heat bench tripled its output, giving the Heat six wopping points from reserves. Rose out scored everyone with twenty seven points, and the Heat lost a one point game, scoring just eighty six points, the lowest total of the three meetings, and it was a painful finish that fed into all of the Heat teams and securities. Here's a portion of the NBA TV highlights from that night with Mark Fine and Brent Barry.

Now Chicago off won last play, Who's going to get the ball?

Now Chicago off won last play, Who's going to get the ball?

Lebron Oh, Lebron James here on an isolation on Noah, you take your chances here, But again, Miami Heat is the talk of the town. Not Able to finish, gets a second chance and no good.

Lebron Oh, Lebron James here on an isolation on Noah, you take your chances here, But again, Miami Heat is the talk of the town. Not Able to finish, gets a second chance and no good.

Two of the three d missed there and hey, great win for the Chicago Bulls on the road beating a Miami t team that again desperately wanted to win.

Two of the three d missed there and hey, great win for the Chicago Bulls on the road beating a Miami t team that again desperately wanted to win.

They have lost four straight.

They have lost four straight.

Now after the game, head coach Eric Spolster wanted to get across to the media and viewing audience just how much his players cared. But Sposter apparently broken unwritten rule that professional basketball players can't show emotional vulnerability.

Now after the game, head coach Eric Spolster wanted to get across to the media and viewing audience just how much his players cared. But Sposter apparently broken unwritten rule that professional basketball players can't show emotional vulnerability.

That's the only thing that's about right now, and this is painful for every single one of us going through this. There a couple guys crying in the locker room right now. It is not a matter of want. It is a matter of doing and continuing to put ourselves in this position until we break through.

That's the only thing that's about right now, and this is painful for every single one of us going through this. There a couple guys crying in the locker room right now. It is not a matter of want. It is a matter of doing and continuing to put ourselves in this position until we break through.

Spolster's revelation led to Wade being asked about the emotional locker room.

Spolster's revelation led to Wade being asked about the emotional locker room.

I know, you guys get tired of sitting up here explaining the same thing over and over again. But sposually said it was an emotional locker room. Afterwards, some guys were crying and that kind of thing. What where is this team right now? Mentally just from a psychic standpoint, well, right now.

I know, you guys get tired of sitting up here explaining the same thing over and over again. But sposually said it was an emotional locker room. Afterwards, some guys were crying and that kind of thing. What where is this team right now? Mentally just from a psychic standpoint, well, right now.

You know we we we f we lost four in a row. You know, we lost three, three out of four. That we should have won, could have won at home, so you know we had to figure it out. You know, we it'side our locker room. You know, we stay together. You know we're brothers. You know we win together, we lose together. Outside of the Miami Heat are exactly what everyone wanted, you know, losing games. The world's better now since the Heat is losing. But we're figured out. You know, it's just it's just painful.

You know we we we f we lost four in a row. You know, we lost three, three out of four. That we should have won, could have won at home, so you know we had to figure it out. You know, we it'side our locker room. You know, we stay together. You know we're brothers. You know we win together, we lose together. Outside of the Miami Heat are exactly what everyone wanted, you know, losing games. The world's better now since the Heat is losing. But we're figured out. You know, it's just it's just painful.

It hurts.

It hurts.

You know, we're competitors' winners, we're human, and and we'll move on and try to learn from it through frustration. You wanna know IFOU was cr why you wanna know if I was crying? The question is I'm not gonna tell you that.

You know, we're competitors' winners, we're human, and and we'll move on and try to learn from it through frustration. You wanna know IFOU was cr why you wanna know if I was crying? The question is I'm not gonna tell you that.

I remember leaving that postgame news conference with Spolster thinking, Wow, regular season basketball doesn't get more intense than this, And Spoe really brought that home with just the one observation. What the rest of the country seemed to be saying, though, was some combination of the Heat or a weak minded group, and Spolster is not the coach for them if he's betraying locker room confidences. Frankly, it was some of the harshest overreaction to this Heat team, and that's saying a lot. I mean, how often does a sports viewing audience love to see the raw motion of competition? It humanizes athletes, and we love it. Apparently not when it's Lebron weighed in bosh. As reports eventually surfaced that players on other teams were quietly mocking the emotional Heat, it would be regular season wise the Heat's lowest point lower even than the nine and eight start, because those were expected growing pains from a group of new teammates. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press believes the Heat actually needed to experience both the losses to the Bulls and the reemergence of all the questions surrounding the team.

I remember leaving that postgame news conference with Spolster thinking, Wow, regular season basketball doesn't get more intense than this, And Spoe really brought that home with just the one observation. What the rest of the country seemed to be saying, though, was some combination of the Heat or a weak minded group, and Spolster is not the coach for them if he's betraying locker room confidences. Frankly, it was some of the harshest overreaction to this Heat team, and that's saying a lot. I mean, how often does a sports viewing audience love to see the raw motion of competition? It humanizes athletes, and we love it. Apparently not when it's Lebron weighed in bosh. As reports eventually surfaced that players on other teams were quietly mocking the emotional Heat, it would be regular season wise the Heat's lowest point lower even than the nine and eight start, because those were expected growing pains from a group of new teammates. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press believes the Heat actually needed to experience both the losses to the Bulls and the reemergence of all the questions surrounding the team.

Every loss was enormous, and there was no joy in the wins. So it just seemed like with every loss when they was twenty seven that first year, I think they went fifty five something like that, it just felt like they went o in twenty seven, the wins were forgotten, and so with every loss it just got progressively angrier, The questions got louder, The joy for a lot of people got heightened by They're not good enough, They're not good enough, They're not good enough, They're not good enough. Chicago probably was one of a lot of tipping points that year. But again, that team, it didn't know it then, but it needed nine to eight. It needed something to chase, It needed to stumble against certain teams. It needed to have questions, It needed to have doubters. If they'd gone seventy three and nine like the Warriors did in sixteen, they probably wouldn't have won either. They needed that for whatever reason. They needed these opponents, real or imagined, to pop up and get in their path.

Every loss was enormous, and there was no joy in the wins. So it just seemed like with every loss when they was twenty seven that first year, I think they went fifty five something like that, it just felt like they went o in twenty seven, the wins were forgotten, and so with every loss it just got progressively angrier, The questions got louder, The joy for a lot of people got heightened by They're not good enough, They're not good enough, They're not good enough, They're not good enough. Chicago probably was one of a lot of tipping points that year. But again, that team, it didn't know it then, but it needed nine to eight. It needed something to chase, It needed to stumble against certain teams. It needed to have questions, It needed to have doubters. If they'd gone seventy three and nine like the Warriors did in sixteen, they probably wouldn't have won either. They needed that for whatever reason. They needed these opponents, real or imagined, to pop up and get in their path.

The Bulls were very real, not imagined, and they would definitely pop up again. The Heat ended that season winning fifteen of their last eighteen games, settling into the number two seed behind those Chicago Bulls. The first round against the Philadelphia seventy six ers of Drew Holliday, Elton Brand and Andrea Aguadala was a drama free five game series win for Miami. The second round was another five game series, this time over the hated Celtics. This felt like such an accomplishment. Lebron got on his knee and bowed his head after the game.

The Bulls were very real, not imagined, and they would definitely pop up again. The Heat ended that season winning fifteen of their last eighteen games, settling into the number two seed behind those Chicago Bulls. The first round against the Philadelphia seventy six ers of Drew Holliday, Elton Brand and Andrea Aguadala was a drama free five game series win for Miami. The second round was another five game series, this time over the hated Celtics. This felt like such an accomplishment. Lebron got on his knee and bowed his head after the game.

Jeez over Pears, he the tugger something still.

Jeez over Pears, he the tugger something still.

One demastating turnover.

One demastating turnover.

But thanks to after another less just going into the chess, Lebron, Miami is going to close it out. Drain Wade and Lebron James exercised.

But thanks to after another less just going into the chess, Lebron, Miami is going to close it out. Drain Wade and Lebron James exercised.

Some demons dramatic for a second round win. But that's how big a rival the Celtics were to Lebron, who would apologize to the city of Cleveland afterward for having to leave there just to beat Boston. It was a bit of a tease, though, as the most intense series against Boston was still a year away. So we'll just move on to the Eastern Conference Finals against those confident Bulls. It was the first time the Heat were actually expected to fail. They were facing the number one seeded Bulls that matched up well against Miami, and they had the explosive MVP and Derrick Rose, who was threatening to take the league right from under Lebron in the Heat. The Bulls took Game one of the series in Chicago with relative ease, one o three to eighty two. Bosh, who'd had his career worst shooting performance against the Bulls earlier in the season, managed to drop thirty in Game one, but James and Wade combined for just thirty three, had a very.

Some demons dramatic for a second round win. But that's how big a rival the Celtics were to Lebron, who would apologize to the city of Cleveland afterward for having to leave there just to beat Boston. It was a bit of a tease, though, as the most intense series against Boston was still a year away. So we'll just move on to the Eastern Conference Finals against those confident Bulls. It was the first time the Heat were actually expected to fail. They were facing the number one seeded Bulls that matched up well against Miami, and they had the explosive MVP and Derrick Rose, who was threatening to take the league right from under Lebron in the Heat. The Bulls took Game one of the series in Chicago with relative ease, one o three to eighty two. Bosh, who'd had his career worst shooting performance against the Bulls earlier in the season, managed to drop thirty in Game one, but James and Wade combined for just thirty three, had a very.

Quiet night full of Ron James just five for fifteen fifteen parts to Wayne Wade seven of seventeen just eighteen parts his Paul Bull.

Quiet night full of Ron James just five for fifteen fifteen parts to Wayne Wade seven of seventeen just eighteen parts his Paul Bull.

But here by the Bulls they sling it out watch him for three Hopson, I have been.

But here by the Bulls they sling it out watch him for three Hopson, I have been.

To the mountain top of back tas Gibson with the followed dunk Jr. Bowles is excited about this young, energetic team.

To the mountain top of back tas Gibson with the followed dunk Jr. Bowles is excited about this young, energetic team.

Nine parts, seven rebounds and a couple of sensational dunks by Gibson. The Bulls just brought out for Cluck a sensational right put the balls.

Nine parts, seven rebounds and a couple of sensational dunks by Gibson. The Bulls just brought out for Cluck a sensational right put the balls.

Here like take final series like you what.

Here like take final series like you what.

That Prodically After the game, however, Joe Kim Noah made note of what he saw from the heat, or rather what the heat made him notice.

That Prodically After the game, however, Joe Kim Noah made note of what he saw from the heat, or rather what the heat made him notice.

You know, we won, game won, And something I remember from that was the whole Miami team was just waiting outside outside the locker room after the games.

You know, we won, game won, And something I remember from that was the whole Miami team was just waiting outside outside the locker room after the games.

Usually you go straight back to the bus, you handle your business. But the whole they really send a message by just all being outside like like.

Usually you go straight back to the bus, you handle your business. But the whole they really send a message by just all being outside like like.

We've been here before.

We've been here before.

I'll never I'll never forget that they wanted us to see them, you know, before we left and let them know like bro right you know this is a long series, so yeah, I remember that.

I'll never I'll never forget that they wanted us to see them, you know, before we left and let them know like bro right you know this is a long series, so yeah, I remember that.

And you think that was one intentional like they wanted you to see that.

And you think that was one intentional like they wanted you to see that.

You know, that's that's the game with in the game, you know that people you forget, but talking about it, I never talked about these things.

You know, that's that's the game with in the game, you know that people you forget, but talking about it, I never talked about these things.

But you know, it's a real war out there.

But you know, it's a real war out there.

It's not check as it's chest. The Heat made their presence fell despite the loss, and the team had another surprise for the Bulls in Game two. You remember all the hullabaloo around you Donnis Haslam and the Heat's main players taking pay cuts to bring him back.

It's not check as it's chest. The Heat made their presence fell despite the loss, and the team had another surprise for the Bulls in Game two. You remember all the hullabaloo around you Donnis Haslam and the Heat's main players taking pay cuts to bring him back.

To the team.

To the team.

Well, all that sacrifice didn't result in much to this point, thanks to a foot injury early in the season. Haslam had surgery to repair a list frank fracture in November twenty ten, and it was believed to be season ending. But by the time the Eastern Conference Finals arrived, Haslam had played three brief minutes late in the Boston series and the final four minutes of garbage time in Game one against Chicago. He was ready for more.

Well, all that sacrifice didn't result in much to this point, thanks to a foot injury early in the season. Haslam had surgery to repair a list frank fracture in November twenty ten, and it was believed to be season ending. But by the time the Eastern Conference Finals arrived, Haslam had played three brief minutes late in the Boston series and the final four minutes of garbage time in Game one against Chicago. He was ready for more.

I remember that. I remember that. I mean Joe Kim Noah, I remember Joe Kim Noah and Bouza was kicking our eyes physically. Yeah, they were young, they were they were ambitious, they were physical, and they were giving us everything we wanted. And you know, even though we had you know a lot of bron and a lot of the Wade, they were a good team. They were a good team that Kirk Heinrich, you know there was they were solid. They were if it was any team that was probably built to give us you know, hell, there's probably that team. You know what I'm saying them in Indiana. So I just remember coming in practice the day before and telling Sport I want to play. I'm ready, I want to play. I think I can help us. I went through that practice the day before I got okay, and I just knew the next day I was I was going to play, and I just knew that I was going to have an impact because I've been watching that series. I've been watching the physicality, and I'm thinking in my in my mind, I'm saying to myself, if I'm in their locker room, I'm going to try to beat these guys up. You know, this is how I'm going to come back. The greatness and the athleticism and the speed and the skill I'm just gonna beat them up. I'm making physical and once again, that's right up my alley. Like I told you, they can't. They wanted me to be here for a reason. You know, they sacrificed for me for a reason. So once again I'm gonna give them the money's worth.

I remember that. I remember that. I mean Joe Kim Noah, I remember Joe Kim Noah and Bouza was kicking our eyes physically. Yeah, they were young, they were they were ambitious, they were physical, and they were giving us everything we wanted. And you know, even though we had you know a lot of bron and a lot of the Wade, they were a good team. They were a good team that Kirk Heinrich, you know there was they were solid. They were if it was any team that was probably built to give us you know, hell, there's probably that team. You know what I'm saying them in Indiana. So I just remember coming in practice the day before and telling Sport I want to play. I'm ready, I want to play. I think I can help us. I went through that practice the day before I got okay, and I just knew the next day I was I was going to play, and I just knew that I was going to have an impact because I've been watching that series. I've been watching the physicality, and I'm thinking in my in my mind, I'm saying to myself, if I'm in their locker room, I'm going to try to beat these guys up. You know, this is how I'm going to come back. The greatness and the athleticism and the speed and the skill I'm just gonna beat them up. I'm making physical and once again, that's right up my alley. Like I told you, they can't. They wanted me to be here for a reason. You know, they sacrificed for me for a reason. So once again I'm gonna give them the money's worth.

Haslam's toughness, rebounding, defense, and leadership where elements the Heat had been missing all season, and in this game too, Haslam provided it all in his first real game.

Haslam's toughness, rebounding, defense, and leadership where elements the Heat had been missing all season, and in this game too, Haslam provided it all in his first real game.

Back Ice passed that couch you file killing drawer.

Back Ice passed that couch you file killing drawer.

Now the Rebottles handled five again the Heat in the open form.

Now the Rebottles handled five again the Heat in the open form.

You thought us hauslo down. I know, Pads Gibson was playful way every this game. Who's got Haslem is got Battle's a channel right here for Miami.

You thought us hauslo down. I know, Pads Gibson was playful way every this game. Who's got Haslem is got Battle's a channel right here for Miami.

The Heat held the Bulls to seventy five pointints and they outrebounded Chicago by four after getting buried on the glass in game one, all part of the haslm effect. Now Lebron did his thing also more. Actually, he not only led the Heat to victory, but he helped calm some of the concern that he would fold under pressure. Back in Miami, the Heat managed two more wins and headed back to Chicago to close the series. Even that required a superhuman finish from the duo of Wade and James. Down twelve with just over three minutes left in the game, the pair scored sixteen of the game's next eighteen points to take the lead with thirty seconds remaining. What couldn't they do?

The Heat held the Bulls to seventy five pointints and they outrebounded Chicago by four after getting buried on the glass in game one, all part of the haslm effect. Now Lebron did his thing also more. Actually, he not only led the Heat to victory, but he helped calm some of the concern that he would fold under pressure. Back in Miami, the Heat managed two more wins and headed back to Chicago to close the series. Even that required a superhuman finish from the duo of Wade and James. Down twelve with just over three minutes left in the game, the pair scored sixteen of the game's next eighteen points to take the lead with thirty seconds remaining. What couldn't they do?

Seventy seven sixty five? Chicago waight on a wrong mike shit.

Seventy seven sixty five? Chicago waight on a wrong mike shit.

Halway James for free? Yes, Lebron, James down job wait on a step light for prey and he was foul. Oh Drames for free. I'm the Davis time.

Halway James for free? Yes, Lebron, James down job wait on a step light for prey and he was foul. Oh Drames for free. I'm the Davis time.

That's seven nine The polls call for time. So Lebron with the strip five.

That's seven nine The polls call for time. So Lebron with the strip five.

Yes, Miami, that's taken away.

Yes, Miami, that's taken away.

A pair of Boss free throws and excellent defense by Lebron against the MVP rows sealed the eighty three eighty win and a berth in the NBA Finals. A regular season of aggravation and tears versus Chicago turned into just another five game series win for Miami.

A pair of Boss free throws and excellent defense by Lebron against the MVP rows sealed the eighty three eighty win and a berth in the NBA Finals. A regular season of aggravation and tears versus Chicago turned into just another five game series win for Miami.

Battle three, Battle two. Here's Rose, can it get it off? It is block have come for the high to the three forty cargos.

Battle three, Battle two. Here's Rose, can it get it off? It is block have come for the high to the three forty cargos.

Eighty three eighty and Miami is headed to the NBA Finals for another match up the Bawds.

Eighty three eighty and Miami is headed to the NBA Finals for another match up the Bawds.

So this we came together for get back to the finals and give ourselves an opportunity to host that trophy. De Way's done it once and I've been working my tail off for eight years to try it to do it, and uh, you know, this is a big step for us.

So this we came together for get back to the finals and give ourselves an opportunity to host that trophy. De Way's done it once and I've been working my tail off for eight years to try it to do it, and uh, you know, this is a big step for us.

It felt like the fairy tale had already been written. The Dallas Mavericks would eventually await them in the finals, but that team couldn't possibly provide the nightmare fuel the Bulls did throughout the season. Sure, they swept Miami in the regular season, but both of those happened before the Heat found their true groove. Yep, that's pretty much what the rest of the basketball viewing audience figured as well. He'd be MAVs. It was going to be a coronation for King James. This is where the narrator is supposed to say.

It felt like the fairy tale had already been written. The Dallas Mavericks would eventually await them in the finals, but that team couldn't possibly provide the nightmare fuel the Bulls did throughout the season. Sure, they swept Miami in the regular season, but both of those happened before the Heat found their true groove. Yep, that's pretty much what the rest of the basketball viewing audience figured as well. He'd be MAVs. It was going to be a coronation for King James. This is where the narrator is supposed to say.

It wasn't Terry move me to his right, to the top of the ark and down a dark He's open for three all the way.

It wasn't Terry move me to his right, to the top of the ark and down a dark He's open for three all the way.

God, that's God. What twenty six? What seven seconds remaining a twenty to two run.

God, that's God. What twenty six? What seven seconds remaining a twenty to two run.

One of the most incredible comebacks in the NBA Finals history.

One of the most incredible comebacks in the NBA Finals history.

The twenty eleven Dallas Mavericks finished third in the Western Conference. They finished second in the Southwest Division. They had one All Star, Dirk Novisky, and a reputation for not getting it done in the playoffs, whether it was a finals loss after being up two games to none in two thousand and six.

The twenty eleven Dallas Mavericks finished third in the Western Conference. They finished second in the Southwest Division. They had one All Star, Dirk Novisky, and a reputation for not getting it done in the playoffs, whether it was a finals loss after being up two games to none in two thousand and six.

Jerry puts up go break Way the Bay Heat. They've done it. They won their first championship in franchise.

Jerry puts up go break Way the Bay Heat. They've done it. They won their first championship in franchise.

History or a first round exit with the MVP version of Navisky, the greatest.

History or a first round exit with the MVP version of Navisky, the greatest.

Up shop in the history of the NBA Finals.

Up shop in the history of the NBA Finals.

Their half of pre books Up Dallas coveris in such as for sin Freddy Comes from Above, You Want to Love It eighty six a Final four.

Their half of pre books Up Dallas coveris in such as for sin Freddy Comes from Above, You Want to Love It eighty six a Final four.

But entering the twenty eleven finals, they had just accomplished three series victor. Is that, at least in their own minds, erased all of those past frustrations. Series wins over the Brandon Roy led Trailblazers, the two time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, and the young Oklahoma City trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden had the Mavericks believing they were prepared for any challenge.

But entering the twenty eleven finals, they had just accomplished three series victor. Is that, at least in their own minds, erased all of those past frustrations. Series wins over the Brandon Roy led Trailblazers, the two time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, and the young Oklahoma City trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden had the Mavericks believing they were prepared for any challenge.

For the second time in franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks will play for the NBA Championship, and five years after the fact, there's this matter of unfinished business.

For the second time in franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks will play for the NBA Championship, and five years after the fact, there's this matter of unfinished business.

Mark Cuban may have been one of the few who actually thought the Mavericks could win the series. All I can say is, there's twenty.

Mark Cuban may have been one of the few who actually thought the Mavericks could win the series. All I can say is, there's twenty.

Some thousand people in this building who believed in us when nobody else did. There's all the guys in this organization and on the court who believed in us and thought every game, every minute of the way.

Some thousand people in this building who believed in us when nobody else did. There's all the guys in this organization and on the court who believed in us and thought every game, every minute of the way.

And all I can tell everybody is we ain't done yet.

And all I can tell everybody is we ain't done yet.

And sure it'd be great to get a detailed look back at those finals with Novitzky or even Jason Kidd, the point guard on the team who's now the Mavericks head coach. But trust me, Brendan Haywood is going to provide the twenty eleven finals recap you didn't know you needed.

And sure it'd be great to get a detailed look back at those finals with Novitzky or even Jason Kidd, the point guard on the team who's now the Mavericks head coach. But trust me, Brendan Haywood is going to provide the twenty eleven finals recap you didn't know you needed.

See.

See.

Haywood was a center on that MAVs team, but he'd also had plenty of experience playing against Lebron in the playoffs, as he was part of a Washington Wizards team that lost to James and the Cavaliers in three postseason series. He already knew how to lose to Lebron, so he was confident his coaching staff in Dallas, led by head coach Rick Carlisle, would teach him how to beat Lebron.

Haywood was a center on that MAVs team, but he'd also had plenty of experience playing against Lebron in the playoffs, as he was part of a Washington Wizards team that lost to James and the Cavaliers in three postseason series. He already knew how to lose to Lebron, so he was confident his coaching staff in Dallas, led by head coach Rick Carlisle, would teach him how to beat Lebron.

We had a great coaching staff I'm talking about. You got Rick Carlile on there. You got Dwayne Casey leading our defense. You got Terry Stotts who's our offensive coordinator. We had an incredible coaching staff. So we were more focused on, let's focus on what they're saying on how we can beat this team. Because every single series that they gave us the blueprint to how we were gonna win, we won doing exactly what they said do and it worked every single time. So we weren't worried about what the heat were doing. Like, hey, if we listen to these guys, we have a chance.

We had a great coaching staff I'm talking about. You got Rick Carlile on there. You got Dwayne Casey leading our defense. You got Terry Stotts who's our offensive coordinator. We had an incredible coaching staff. So we were more focused on, let's focus on what they're saying on how we can beat this team. Because every single series that they gave us the blueprint to how we were gonna win, we won doing exactly what they said do and it worked every single time. So we weren't worried about what the heat were doing. Like, hey, if we listen to these guys, we have a chance.

So what was the game plan?

So what was the game plan?

The first thing was Rick Carlile showed us lebron shooting percentages for the playoffs and it was something ungodly like fifty eight percent or something like that. And then he said, okay, this is what he shoots outside of fifteen feet and it was something incredibly low, like seventeen percent. It was this kind of similar, similar strategy that we had with Russell Westbrook, and so we were like, okay, so what are we going to We have to make sure that the paint is walled off. If you go back in that series, you'll see Jason Kidds on Fast Break sprinting back to make sure that Lebron doesn't see an open painted area or is Sean Mary and whoever it is. So the first thing we had to do with we got to load up and stop him from getting into the paint. I don't care if we're giving up shots on the weak side. We're gonna help off Dwayne Wade. We understand he's great, but he doesn't really want to shoot from three. We might even give up a couple of threes to make sure that Lebron doesn't go superhero mode in the lane that was number one. We're going underscreens. But we did it differently. And here's where guys mess up with Lebron.

The first thing was Rick Carlile showed us lebron shooting percentages for the playoffs and it was something ungodly like fifty eight percent or something like that. And then he said, okay, this is what he shoots outside of fifteen feet and it was something incredibly low, like seventeen percent. It was this kind of similar, similar strategy that we had with Russell Westbrook, and so we were like, okay, so what are we going to We have to make sure that the paint is walled off. If you go back in that series, you'll see Jason Kidds on Fast Break sprinting back to make sure that Lebron doesn't see an open painted area or is Sean Mary and whoever it is. So the first thing we had to do with we got to load up and stop him from getting into the paint. I don't care if we're giving up shots on the weak side. We're gonna help off Dwayne Wade. We understand he's great, but he doesn't really want to shoot from three. We might even give up a couple of threes to make sure that Lebron doesn't go superhero mode in the lane that was number one. We're going underscreens. But we did it differently. And here's where guys mess up with Lebron.

James.

James.

They give him space because, like I said, especially early on, because he doesn't shoot it as well from three as like a step Curry. So they back up. That's the worst thing you can do because he takes up the space. So Rick wanted Sean Marrion, Shawn Stevenson, Jason Kidd pick him up full court as much as possible. I want you even in the half court. I want you to be into him. And then when Tyson on myself call out scream, we want you to recognize where the screen is coming from and meet him on the other side. We'll give up as many jumpers as possible, and if you get beat, don't worry you have weak side head. We'll even give up some of those jumpers. But everything was pressure Lebron and don't let him get into the lane. Where people mess up guarding Lebron is they back up off of them and they let him see everything. So now he sees the whole floor and he can attack, you, get downhill, dunk on you, create free throws or even when he misses, three guys had to try to block his shot. So now the week's side rebound is open, and we just did We just did things slightly differently at.

They give him space because, like I said, especially early on, because he doesn't shoot it as well from three as like a step Curry. So they back up. That's the worst thing you can do because he takes up the space. So Rick wanted Sean Marrion, Shawn Stevenson, Jason Kidd pick him up full court as much as possible. I want you even in the half court. I want you to be into him. And then when Tyson on myself call out scream, we want you to recognize where the screen is coming from and meet him on the other side. We'll give up as many jumpers as possible, and if you get beat, don't worry you have weak side head. We'll even give up some of those jumpers. But everything was pressure Lebron and don't let him get into the lane. Where people mess up guarding Lebron is they back up off of them and they let him see everything. So now he sees the whole floor and he can attack, you, get downhill, dunk on you, create free throws or even when he misses, three guys had to try to block his shot. So now the week's side rebound is open, and we just did We just did things slightly differently at.

That point, So it was it was obviously a big three from them, but you were more concerned. The game planning was around Lebron and then Dwayne and Bosh were like secondary defensive strategy.

That point, So it was it was obviously a big three from them, but you were more concerned. The game planning was around Lebron and then Dwayne and Bosh were like secondary defensive strategy.

We really didn't have a game plan for those guys. Wow, And that's no disrespect. That's we were like, yo, like that's the guy. We got to stop that. If we don't stop that guy, the rest of this stuff doesn't matter. Like Chris Bosh, obviously, hey man, we don't want him shooting easy jumpers. We don't want him get hi left. But there was there was no second and third tier coverages for Chris Bosh like we had for Lebron And with Dwayne Wade, it was more play him straight up, don't take his pump fake. You know, he was great in the mid range and you were a pump and get guys up in the air. But for the most part, we were like, hey, we feel like if we switched Sean Marion onto him that we liked that matchup.

We really didn't have a game plan for those guys. Wow, And that's no disrespect. That's we were like, yo, like that's the guy. We got to stop that. If we don't stop that guy, the rest of this stuff doesn't matter. Like Chris Bosh, obviously, hey man, we don't want him shooting easy jumpers. We don't want him get hi left. But there was there was no second and third tier coverages for Chris Bosh like we had for Lebron And with Dwayne Wade, it was more play him straight up, don't take his pump fake. You know, he was great in the mid range and you were a pump and get guys up in the air. But for the most part, we were like, hey, we feel like if we switched Sean Marion onto him that we liked that matchup.

Well, Wade didn't mind that matchup much either. In fact, Wade led the Heat to a Game one win with twenty two points, ten rebounds, and six assists.

Well, Wade didn't mind that matchup much either. In fact, Wade led the Heat to a Game one win with twenty two points, ten rebounds, and six assists.

Here's a kid around of the yard to the right, had it stripped by Bibby up the head left side for James touch pass way down the lane.

Here's a kid around of the yard to the right, had it stripped by Bibby up the head left side for James touch pass way down the lane.

Later in with a foul ox Stevenson, where he continued their assault. The MAVs fought hard, but once again Miami learned to close love of the rid.

Later in with a foul ox Stevenson, where he continued their assault. The MAVs fought hard, but once again Miami learned to close love of the rid.

It takes those it down for the Dagger in Game one, dominant performance from Minami Heat.

It takes those it down for the Dagger in Game one, dominant performance from Minami Heat.

One to oh in the best of seven for Miami.

One to oh in the best of seven for Miami.

The series shifted in Game two, not because of a strategy or injury. It turned because of a celebration. It was the ex Zach type of sports mythology fans want to believe all the time, but Heywood insists this was one hundred percent real. Wade had just hit a three pointer that put the Heat up eighty eight to seventy three with just seven minutes and fourteen seconds left in the game.

The series shifted in Game two, not because of a strategy or injury. It turned because of a celebration. It was the ex Zach type of sports mythology fans want to believe all the time, but Heywood insists this was one hundred percent real. Wade had just hit a three pointer that put the Heat up eighty eight to seventy three with just seven minutes and fourteen seconds left in the game.

Lebron straight down the middle inside Chalmers, don't wait for three?

Lebron straight down the middle inside Chalmers, don't wait for three?

Got it?

Got it?

Wait?

Wait?

Pop down down.

Pop down down.

I was like, he'd have closed this game up, but Miami, they're largest late.

I was like, he'd have closed this game up, but Miami, they're largest late.

Of the night fifteen Wade always want to savor the moment, left his hand in the air for a few extra moments in front of the MAVs bench, and with Wade on his way back to his bench for a time out, James walked backward in front of him before eventually shadow boxing with the superstar teammate. It apparently set the Mavericks ablaze. Here's Heywood, Lebron James comes in front of him.

Of the night fifteen Wade always want to savor the moment, left his hand in the air for a few extra moments in front of the MAVs bench, and with Wade on his way back to his bench for a time out, James walked backward in front of him before eventually shadow boxing with the superstar teammate. It apparently set the Mavericks ablaze. Here's Heywood, Lebron James comes in front of him.

They do the little rap video punch thing and all that. I remember it like it was yesterday in the back watching it, and I'm livid, like I had strained my hip. And then it was like from that point on, Dirk and Jason Terry went on demon time and it was they Miami didn't score again. I don't think, or if they did, it was like some free throws. I don't think they had another bucket for the rest of the game, and we end up coming back. If we don't win that game, we probably don't win that series.

They do the little rap video punch thing and all that. I remember it like it was yesterday in the back watching it, and I'm livid, like I had strained my hip. And then it was like from that point on, Dirk and Jason Terry went on demon time and it was they Miami didn't score again. I don't think, or if they did, it was like some free throws. I don't think they had another bucket for the rest of the game, and we end up coming back. If we don't win that game, we probably don't win that series.

The Heat managed exactly five points after that, a pair of Lebron free throws and a Mario Chalmers three pointer that actually tied the game at ninety three, all with twenty four seconds left. Then, with just three seconds remaining, Novitsky completed the comeback with the drive past Bosch for a layup. Wade missed a three that would have won it, and the Mavericks cracked the Heat armor.

The Heat managed exactly five points after that, a pair of Lebron free throws and a Mario Chalmers three pointer that actually tied the game at ninety three, all with twenty four seconds left. Then, with just three seconds remaining, Novitsky completed the comeback with the drive past Bosch for a layup. Wade missed a three that would have won it, and the Mavericks cracked the Heat armor.

The wet street spit inside the Repsky the easy layup and end with three point six left.

The wet street spit inside the Repsky the easy layup and end with three point six left.

Wait Cull Lebron, Jay st wait wait for the way, No dallass Miami and went ninety five ninety three.

Wait Cull Lebron, Jay st wait wait for the way, No dallass Miami and went ninety five ninety three.

Bill remember June second in the Dallas Mavericks franchise Forever?

Bill remember June second in the Dallas Mavericks franchise Forever?

What a comeback?

What a comeback?

Give up?

Give up?

Never give up, I never give went light up there.

Never give up, I never give went light up there.

Jason Terry recalled the huddle just before the Mavericks began their comeback.

Jason Terry recalled the huddle just before the Mavericks began their comeback.

We looked at each each guy in the huddle. To a man, me specifically looked at Dirk and said, there's no way we're going out like this. It's too much time left in his game. And for us to go out, you know, in a blowout ty fashion, with them dunking on us, shooting threes on us, it would have really been disheartening.

We looked at each each guy in the huddle. To a man, me specifically looked at Dirk and said, there's no way we're going out like this. It's too much time left in his game. And for us to go out, you know, in a blowout ty fashion, with them dunking on us, shooting threes on us, it would have really been disheartening.

Not enough to keep the momentum.

Not enough to keep the momentum.

Though.

Though.

The Heat won Game three in Dallas by two points behind another strong performance from Wade, But there was another element coming into play. By Game four, Lebron hadn't been his dominant self at all in this series. All the game planning from the Mavericks appeared to be getting in his head. His point totals dropped from twenty four to twenty to seventeen in the first three games to this point, with the Heat leading in the series. It was more of an interesting note than a sign of panic. Wade seemed well on his way to a second Finals MVP. If the series kept trending in this direction, Lebron would almost certainly be labeled the Scottie Pippen of the pair. Hardly an insult, but certainly not the sidekick moniker James was hoping to take on. Then Game four happened, and Heat fans would have loved a Scottie Pippen type game from Lebron.

The Heat won Game three in Dallas by two points behind another strong performance from Wade, But there was another element coming into play. By Game four, Lebron hadn't been his dominant self at all in this series. All the game planning from the Mavericks appeared to be getting in his head. His point totals dropped from twenty four to twenty to seventeen in the first three games to this point, with the Heat leading in the series. It was more of an interesting note than a sign of panic. Wade seemed well on his way to a second Finals MVP. If the series kept trending in this direction, Lebron would almost certainly be labeled the Scottie Pippen of the pair. Hardly an insult, but certainly not the sidekick moniker James was hoping to take on. Then Game four happened, and Heat fans would have loved a Scottie Pippen type game from Lebron.

In that one.

In that one.

They got far less James. This is go freethrows. He's struggling from le Field. This is a couple of free throws too. Of eight tromble Field two four for the free throw on.

They got far less James. This is go freethrows. He's struggling from le Field. This is a couple of free throws too. Of eight tromble Field two four for the free throw on.

Carlile made some adjustments that flummox Lebron mid series. In Game four, he started Jj Barrea, a five foot ten point guard, and brought to Shaun Stevenson off the bench. It was a move designed to boost the Mavericks offense, with Carlisle figuring Berea can defend Miami's starting point guard Mike Bibbie without much concern, and while it didn't have quite the effect on the offense in Game four that Carlile had hoped. The coach's other adjustment made that a point. Carlile went to a zone defense that in twenty eleven was still quite rare in the NBA. It was Lebron's kryptonite insomuch that his sudden weakness was inexplicable.

Carlile made some adjustments that flummox Lebron mid series. In Game four, he started Jj Barrea, a five foot ten point guard, and brought to Shaun Stevenson off the bench. It was a move designed to boost the Mavericks offense, with Carlisle figuring Berea can defend Miami's starting point guard Mike Bibbie without much concern, and while it didn't have quite the effect on the offense in Game four that Carlile had hoped. The coach's other adjustment made that a point. Carlile went to a zone defense that in twenty eleven was still quite rare in the NBA. It was Lebron's kryptonite insomuch that his sudden weakness was inexplicable.

James fires away short.

James fires away short.

Brian Windhorst had seen a version of this just a year earlier. Lebron's last in Cleveland, in a Game five with the series tied, James put up just fifteen points on three or fourteen shoot in forty two minutes at home against the Celtics, and the Calves lost by thirty two. One game later, he was pulling his jersey off on his way out of the city.

Brian Windhorst had seen a version of this just a year earlier. Lebron's last in Cleveland, in a Game five with the series tied, James put up just fifteen points on three or fourteen shoot in forty two minutes at home against the Celtics, and the Calves lost by thirty two. One game later, he was pulling his jersey off on his way out of the city.

So to have that happen and back to back years, you know, in with at the highest stakes against teams that his team was better than to be honest, and for him to do that two years in a row, I wondered, because in my view, a lot of people felt that Lebron quit on the Calves and that's why he played poorly in that series. He didn't play poorly in that series. He played poorly in that one game. And I never believed he quit. I believe that the pressure got to him, and I think the pressure got to him in Dallas. And so after two years of seeing that happen and back to back times, and this is a guy who always raised his level. He never before in his career could you ever say his team lost because of him. You know, they made the finals in two thousand and seven. In two thousand and eight, he played one of the classic games of that decade in Game seven when they got eliminated against the Celtics eventual champion Celtics. He and Paul Pierce both went over forty points in Game seven. In two thousand and nine, when they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Magic, Lebron had one of the greatest series in history by a player on a losing team. It was comparable to Jerry West at the Lakers in nineteen sixty nine when Jerry West won the MVP as a losing team. That's how comparable that series was. Dominated So never before I ever could I ever look at Lebron and say you were the reason your team didn't win. And that happened in twenty ten and twenty eleven at the highest level, and so It made me wonder if something within him had been broken and whether or not he was going to be able to get to the highest level.

So to have that happen and back to back years, you know, in with at the highest stakes against teams that his team was better than to be honest, and for him to do that two years in a row, I wondered, because in my view, a lot of people felt that Lebron quit on the Calves and that's why he played poorly in that series. He didn't play poorly in that series. He played poorly in that one game. And I never believed he quit. I believe that the pressure got to him, and I think the pressure got to him in Dallas. And so after two years of seeing that happen and back to back times, and this is a guy who always raised his level. He never before in his career could you ever say his team lost because of him. You know, they made the finals in two thousand and seven. In two thousand and eight, he played one of the classic games of that decade in Game seven when they got eliminated against the Celtics eventual champion Celtics. He and Paul Pierce both went over forty points in Game seven. In two thousand and nine, when they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Magic, Lebron had one of the greatest series in history by a player on a losing team. It was comparable to Jerry West at the Lakers in nineteen sixty nine when Jerry West won the MVP as a losing team. That's how comparable that series was. Dominated So never before I ever could I ever look at Lebron and say you were the reason your team didn't win. And that happened in twenty ten and twenty eleven at the highest level, and so It made me wonder if something within him had been broken and whether or not he was going to be able to get to the highest level.

The signature failure from James was when he couldn't successfully post up Berea, who was nearly a foot shorter and probably eighty pounds lighter. James managed only eight points in an NBA Finals game in which he played forty six minutes. It's commonly considered his worst game as a professional. Chalmers believed college would have helped Lebron.

The signature failure from James was when he couldn't successfully post up Berea, who was nearly a foot shorter and probably eighty pounds lighter. James managed only eight points in an NBA Finals game in which he played forty six minutes. It's commonly considered his worst game as a professional. Chalmers believed college would have helped Lebron.

No seriously, now this is my personal opinion. I don't know if this is how he felt everything. I felt like he was a little confused. And what I mean by that is like when you go to college, you get to see every type of defense you want through. Pretty much when you get to the NBA is man up guard. Your man will help you this way or will help you that way. It's not a lot of zones to play. So when Dallas perfectly formed that zone to slow down Lebron, I don't think. I don't think we had the mindset to really help him, you know, get to the spots he needed to to make him more successful, to make ourselves successful as a team. I think we just kind of forced things, and the more we forced them, it played into their hands instead of spacing it. So I just don't think That's when I go back to saying IQ, I just don't think we had the total IQ to be ready for what everything that Dallas threw at us. It was just thinks he wasn't comfortab like he's used to being getting the ball, being on top, being able to drive, see what's in front of him, see how to attack.

No seriously, now this is my personal opinion. I don't know if this is how he felt everything. I felt like he was a little confused. And what I mean by that is like when you go to college, you get to see every type of defense you want through. Pretty much when you get to the NBA is man up guard. Your man will help you this way or will help you that way. It's not a lot of zones to play. So when Dallas perfectly formed that zone to slow down Lebron, I don't think. I don't think we had the mindset to really help him, you know, get to the spots he needed to to make him more successful, to make ourselves successful as a team. I think we just kind of forced things, and the more we forced them, it played into their hands instead of spacing it. So I just don't think That's when I go back to saying IQ, I just don't think we had the total IQ to be ready for what everything that Dallas threw at us. It was just thinks he wasn't comfortab like he's used to being getting the ball, being on top, being able to drive, see what's in front of him, see how to attack.

And when you got little J. J.

And when you got little J. J.

Berrera, you know, swimming around, you can't really just put the ball down freely. You gotta always be aware of looks. So I just don't think he was comfortable in the positions.

Berrera, you know, swimming around, you can't really just put the ball down freely. You gotta always be aware of looks. So I just don't think he was comfortable in the positions.

That he was.

That he was.

Adding to that sense of lost opportunity was the condition of Dallas's lone star Dirk Noovisky was suffering through a sinus infection and who knows what else. That night. It was evident throughout as he had his worst game of the series, shooting just six of nineteen from the field.

Adding to that sense of lost opportunity was the condition of Dallas's lone star Dirk Noovisky was suffering through a sinus infection and who knows what else. That night. It was evident throughout as he had his worst game of the series, shooting just six of nineteen from the field.

We've confirmed that Dirk Nooviski is playing to night's basketball game with a fever, perhaps as high as one hundred and one or one hundred and two.

We've confirmed that Dirk Nooviski is playing to night's basketball game with a fever, perhaps as high as one hundred and one or one hundred and two.

Degrees.

Degrees.

Levinsky has been brilliant here in the finals, but he desperately needs some help.

Levinsky has been brilliant here in the finals, but he desperately needs some help.

But that zone defense and Lebron's subsequent disappearing act kept the Mavericks in the game. The Heat went scoreless for more than five minutes in the fourth quarter, and Dirk managed to fight through any discomfort and score ten of his twenty one in the period.

But that zone defense and Lebron's subsequent disappearing act kept the Mavericks in the game. The Heat went scoreless for more than five minutes in the fourth quarter, and Dirk managed to fight through any discomfort and score ten of his twenty one in the period.

And there it is in the hands of a visky who's got about a hundred two fever.

And there it is in the hands of a visky who's got about a hundred two fever.

Lebron meanwhile, managed only one shot attempt in the fourth quarter. He missed it and had two turnovers.

Lebron meanwhile, managed only one shot attempt in the fourth quarter. He missed it and had two turnovers.

Wait he gets it back up top to teams, James Stakes drives.

Wait he gets it back up top to teams, James Stakes drives.

Pull up Tupper, won't go Miller the offensive rebound.

Pull up Tupper, won't go Miller the offensive rebound.

As if it wasn't bad enough to try to explain why the league's best player was apparently shrinking Under the brightest of lights, James and Wade fanned the flames with an attempt at humor that fell horribly flat. In between Games four and five, cameras were surrounding the pair as they appeared to mock Novitsky's acknowledgment of his illness.

As if it wasn't bad enough to try to explain why the league's best player was apparently shrinking Under the brightest of lights, James and Wade fanned the flames with an attempt at humor that fell horribly flat. In between Games four and five, cameras were surrounding the pair as they appeared to mock Novitsky's acknowledgment of his illness.

Oh did all hit me?

Oh did all hit me?

Called thin' gonna say? Hey, just web man that weather's ray hard to go from eighty five degree, whether man go to mountain, that's switch.

Called thin' gonna say? Hey, just web man that weather's ray hard to go from eighty five degree, whether man go to mountain, that's switch.

It might have been an attempt from Wade to take the attention away from Lebron and his dwindling numbers. It backfired. Here's heywood.

It might have been an attempt from Wade to take the attention away from Lebron and his dwindling numbers. It backfired. Here's heywood.

It just that's one of those things that it just gives you a little bit more buzz when you run around the court, because they were disrespecting all League, and Dirk already felt a certain way because of what happened in the finals when he lost to Miami the first time, and people were saying that, you know, like there's rumors that Dwayne Wade and said Dirk would never be a leader. So Dirk already it wasn't like he had a beef with Dwayne Wade, but he was already looking at Dwayne Wade's sideways. And so then him and Lebron out there laughing at the fact that he's sick. So Dirk's looking at it funny, the locker room's looking at it funny, and so and that was the first time in our eyes we were like, yo, these guys really think they're better than us. Like they they think it's they think it's playtime. They think they just gonna flip a switch and beat us, and so that it just became like a rallying cry. It's just one of those things that when everybody went out there on the court, it was like, Yo, if we come out here and just play hard to the best billies, we can punch these guys in the mouth. And once we punch them in the mouth, do not let your foot up off the gas. And like just the mentality, like Jason Terry was literally sitting there talking about Lebron can't guard me, and he really and he didn't mean that. Like one on one he's like, man, I'm about to run hi ragged. He don't want to run around these screens, and at that point he didn't. To this day, Braun hates guarding guys that run around in screens, Like Jason Terry, hit, I'm gonna running ragged. Get any shout out of want Ain't none he could do about it. He up here, and he's like he's up here laughing at dirt. I want to see him laughing. Come check me. Like that was the mentality. These were conversations that were actually had.

It just that's one of those things that it just gives you a little bit more buzz when you run around the court, because they were disrespecting all League, and Dirk already felt a certain way because of what happened in the finals when he lost to Miami the first time, and people were saying that, you know, like there's rumors that Dwayne Wade and said Dirk would never be a leader. So Dirk already it wasn't like he had a beef with Dwayne Wade, but he was already looking at Dwayne Wade's sideways. And so then him and Lebron out there laughing at the fact that he's sick. So Dirk's looking at it funny, the locker room's looking at it funny, and so and that was the first time in our eyes we were like, yo, these guys really think they're better than us. Like they they think it's they think it's playtime. They think they just gonna flip a switch and beat us, and so that it just became like a rallying cry. It's just one of those things that when everybody went out there on the court, it was like, Yo, if we come out here and just play hard to the best billies, we can punch these guys in the mouth. And once we punch them in the mouth, do not let your foot up off the gas. And like just the mentality, like Jason Terry was literally sitting there talking about Lebron can't guard me, and he really and he didn't mean that. Like one on one he's like, man, I'm about to run hi ragged. He don't want to run around these screens, and at that point he didn't. To this day, Braun hates guarding guys that run around in screens, Like Jason Terry, hit, I'm gonna running ragged. Get any shout out of want Ain't none he could do about it. He up here, and he's like he's up here laughing at dirt. I want to see him laughing. Come check me. Like that was the mentality. These were conversations that were actually had.

The Mavericks scored eighty six points or less in three of the games at this point, and somehow the series was still tied at to a piece, and now Dallas had added motivation. Noviitsky was feeling better in Game five, and the Mavericks offense re energized, managing to pull away in the fourth quarter to take the game and the series lead.

The Mavericks scored eighty six points or less in three of the games at this point, and somehow the series was still tied at to a piece, and now Dallas had added motivation. Noviitsky was feeling better in Game five, and the Mavericks offense re energized, managing to pull away in the fourth quarter to take the game and the series lead.

Got it and the.

Got it and the.