Ames Progressive

Someone familiar with my educational background might think I chose to write this article because of my fear toward the impending military resurgence of Germany after picking up my minor in 20th Century European History. Yet someone who frequently engages in sprawling NBA conversations with me might figure I hacked away at my keyboard for 20 minutes or so because my persistent knocking of the reigning MVP shows why my byline is not burning up the pages of Slam.Truth be motherfucking told that said German, Dirk Nowitski, demanded I articulate a masterpiece concerning the anticipation of the first round of the NBA playoffs with a sensational performance in this afternoon’s 105-98 come-back victory in Phoenix.

With Spike TV currently airing all six episodes of Star Wars in succession, I cannot resist synching up the story of the Mavs with that of two young Jedi warriors - Anakin and Luke Sywalker. Don Nelson served as Qui-Gon Jinn in Episode I. The Jedi master went to the far reaches of the galaxy to find his pupil while Nellie needed only to cross the Atlantic to discover his savior. Nelson developed Nowitski and established a perennial contender in the Western Conference with the up-tempo Mavs. But just as Qui-Gon’s death allowed Anakin to grow into a more mature Jedi with Obi-Wan Kenobi assuming the role of mentor, Nellie’s departure during the ‘06 season coupled with Avery Johnson’s arrival as the little, yet vocal, general, transformed Dirk and the Mavs into a defensively capable team, resulting in a Finals appearance.

The Finals’ collapse for the Mavs represented Anakin’s failure in the end of Episode II as he lost a hand fighting Count Dooku. However, both situations, as unrelated as they might appear, built confidence. The Mavs rebounded to post a 67-15 record that resulted in Dirk picking up the MVP and Avery taking home Coach of the Year honors. Anakin avenged his defeat by slicing Dooku in half with a saber forehand, prompting the duplicitous Emperor to furtively proclaim Anakin his next apprentice. The aftermath for both proved cataclysmic. The Mavs broke down as the top seed by dropping a first-round series against the Warriors. Anakin, empowered by his newfound teacher and aggravated by the Jedi Council’s lack of trust, turned against a benevolent movement seeking universal peace and jumped into the Emperor’s corrupt Republic by assassinating countless Jedis.

The Mavs resurfaced this season like Obi-Wan at the beginning of Episode IV - a humbled man clinging to hope. Avery refused to abandon his formula for victory and brought in a seasoned commodity with tremendous upside despite the inherent risk of tampering with chemistry. J-Kidd’s arrival, like that of Han Solo’s original meeting with Obi-Wan at the cantina, began in a contentious and untidy manner. But just as Obi-Wan could have easily succumbed to the “Dark Side” and given up on the title quest, Avery butted heads with his own Emperor - Owner Mark Cuban, but the Little General stayed the course and now an epic battle the likes of George Lucas awaits.

A probable seventh seed signifies underdog status as an arsenal the size of the Republic blocks the way in the form of the Spurs, Lakers, Hornets etc…But Dallas, led by Dirk Skywalker, reminded me and every player entering the playoffs two weeks from now that you cannot sleep on these rebellious fighters. The hell-bent Nowitski drained two timely shots to score a huge road victory. Following a Shaq rejection on the perimeter, Nowitski drove the lane with determination for a floater. He topped that highlight by staggering toward the baseline before nailing a fade-away, off-balance jumper. Just as the Star Wars saga ended with Luke seeing the superimposed images of his past mentors around a campfire, Dirk needed only to look over to the bench and see why a title remains a possibility as Avery’s defensive mindset was responsible for a 27-9 fourth-quarter edge against one of the best offenses in league history.

By the way, I have never felt like a bigger geek than right now. As for any luscious lady reading this blog that might think my Star Wars devotion equates into awkward social skills and a nonexistent libido, I implore you to watch all six movies. You might not understand the force at first but give me an hour behind closed doors and I will show what it’s all about.