While the Miami Heat have 3 of the best scoring options at their respective positions in the NBA, it has been a commitment to defense that has propelled Miami into the NBA finals.
In facing the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat will have its toughest defensive assignment of the season in Dirk Nowitzki. Like many of the stars in the NBA, there is not really a sure-fire way to prevent Nowitzki from scoring. However, the Heat will likely use 4 different defenders in an effort to slow him down.
Joel Anthony will probably assume the responsibilities to start the game. Anthony has had success in his limited possessions defending Dirk this season. Nowitzki converted only 3 of his 13 shot attempts when guarded by “The Warden.”
Anthony’s athleticism allows him to stay in front of his man, making it nearly impossible to attack him with a dribble drive. Look for Nowitzki to play more with his back to the basket against Anthony, who struggles defending in the low-post.
Chris Bosh is also very likely to spend time in the early goings defending who some are calling the best European player to ever put on a uniform. Bosh has shown the ability to be a two-way player in his time with the Heat, and he was somewhat successful defending Nowitzki in the regular season, holding him under his average at 43% from the field.
The problem with using Bosh is that Miami can ill afford to have him in foul trouble. With the way Dirk loves to use pump fakes and dribble drive penetrations, using Bosh could result in an early trip to the bench.
It is no secret that Udonis Haslem did an outstanding job defending Nowitzki the last time these two teams met back in 2006. Haslem locked down Dirk, forcing him to shoot only 31% on 42 attempts from the field.
Unfortunately for Haslem, he is not 100% and asking him to repeat that type of performance again is asking a bit too much of Miami’s captain. Not to mention that Nowitzki is playing at a higher level now then he was back in 2006.
Nonetheless, expect Haslem to give solid minutes as he always does. He knows not to bite on Dirk’s fakes and how to prevent him from getting to his spots. It will in the very least slow Dirk down and disrupt his rhythm.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, Miami asked its best defender to shut down the NBA’s MVP in the 4th quarter and LeBron James did exactly that. Do not be surprised to see James on Nowitzki at the end of games when Miami needs stops.
James is the best and most versatile defender in the league. He has played every position for Miami this year while defending at a high level at each. His combination of size, speed, quickness and strength makes him a extremely viable option to defend Nowitzki.
Like Bosh, James cannot stay on Dirk for too many possessions in order not to risk foul trouble. But James can use his strength can quickness to deny Dirk from getting to where he feels comfortable on the floor.
Being that he is 7′ 0” tall, there is not really anyone that can contest his jump shot once Dirk decides to pull up. Still, if the Heat give Nowitzki multiple looks from different defenders, it could slow him down enough to the point where he is not controlling the game with his incredible ability to score.
If Miami is going to win this series, it is going to be on the defensive end of the floor, much like they have done throughout the year and in the playoffs.