Behind The Scoreboard - Claude Vinson


Thursday, June 29, 2006
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Behind The Scoreboard
By Claude Vinson

Wade delivers for the Heat

His big teammate has given him the nickname “Flash.”

You could even call him Moses.

Or the “Deliverer.”

The last suggestion is perhaps most appropriate because that is exactly what he did in the NBA Finals. He delivered. His ultimate selection as series MVP was clearly a “no-brainer.”

Dwyane Wade delivered a fourth ring to Shaq, a fifth ring to Pat Riley and the first ring to James Posey, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning and the rest of the Miami Heat.

It would not be a great stretch to add “man of steel,” nerves that is, because of his steely resolve and confidence at the free throw line. When things appeared at their very worst, he was at his very best. The fourth quarter performances which he turned in will be talked of for seasons to come.

And while Wade has a long way to go before he matches Michael Jordan in finger jewelry, it is most appropriate to liken his play to that of the former Chicago Bull who is now a “hands on” minority owner of the two-year-old Bobcats of Charlotte.

When one looks back on the sixth and final game of the series, there could be a longing for a seventh game. However, such a premise would have been ultra risky given the explosive play of the Dallas Mavericks and their potential for the big plays.

Along with the superb play of Dirk Nowitski, the Mavericks also had “sleepers” who awoke in admirable fashion. Erick Dampier, the former Mississippi State standout, had never performed as he did since arriving in the NBA some years ago.

And there were Jerry Stackhouse and Devin Harris who also showed up when it was necessary.

Will the Mavericks be back next season? Indubitably. Will the Heat be back again next year? Doubly indubitably.

And in light of the Mavericks’ owner’s (Mark Cuban), proclivity to “blow up,” it might be wise to get on his charitable doners list. Cuban has been fined over a million and a half dollars since acquiring the Mavericks.

He states that for every dollar he gives up in fines, he donates a like amount to some charity. You have to love the guy!

Note: The remarks attributed to Alfred Loftin in the last column were actually made by his brother, Luke (hope I’m right this time). Like the extinct caveman says in that GEICO commercial, maybe I should done more research.

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