We've already witnessed* three tough rounds, two L.A. squads, and one David Hasselhoff. But almost as important as
Knight Rider, this year's playoffs also have delivered a clear-cut MVP for each conference: Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade. So let's compare the two players at the center of this year's finals, shall we? (For those of you following along at home, the answer to that question is, "We shall.")
On the offensive
Nowitzki: The guy posts up at the free-throw line, where he can drive to either side, pull up for a jumper, or dish to an open teammate when the double-team comes. Oh, he's also seven feet tall, can shoot the three, and doesn't miss free throws. The only thing he needs is a haircut.
Wade: He gets to the basket better than any guard in the league, which helps him set up G.P., 'Toine, and Haslem for easy jumpers. His expanding range means you can't back off of him anymore—he knows exactly when to feed the big man, and he has ice water running through his veins in the fourth quarter. (Don't worry—I think there's some blood running through there, too.)
Edge: Dirk (by a sweaty blond hair).
D up
Nowitzki: Avery Johnson's hard-nosed attitude has improved the German's habits to the point where the Mavs aren't playing four-on-five on the defensive end. Then again, while he's learning how to swat shots off the backboard from the weak side, Dirk's never going to be mistaken for a defensive force…or a male model…or a male.
Wade: He's not yet a shut-down perimeter defender, but Wade's timing allows him to make game-changing defensive plays, mainly strips and blocks from behind, which lead to electrifying fastbreak conversions that halt runs. And as we all know, it's always important to halt the runs.
Edge: Wade.
Intangibles
Nowitzki: The man dropped 50 in a must-win, so I'm not questioning his clutchosity. But still, every now and then, he settles too often for fadeaways over shorter defenders. When you're seven feet tall, you should live in the post. Just like I live in the women's changing room at Macy's. (
Shh, don't tell anyone.)
Wade: He's made it into the second round or deeper throughout his career, he's hit game-winners since his rookie year, and his numbers improve across the board once the postseason hits. His desire to win a championship is only trumped by Pat Riley's desire to style his hair.
Edge: Wade.
Everyone is talking about Dirk being unguardable, but it's not any simpler to D up on D-Wade. Just because the Mavs have a full bench of swingmen to throw his way doesn't mean Wade still can't figure out how to exploit their schemes. I see Flash rising to the occasion slightly more than the Diggler. Finals picks coming tomorrow—amendments to those picks coming next week.
*Word reprinted with the express written consent of LeBron James.
