Last week I warned you that the NBA Finals would be won at the charity stripe and that comment has been money in the bank. Especially in game 5 last night, when Dwayne Wade literally won the game with two foul shots in the last 1.9 seconds.
As of this moment there have been 5 games and let’s take a look at the statistics! Game 1 was won by Dallas and they made 20-26 shots to Miami’s 7 of 19. In game 2 the Mavericks won again and the Mavs won and were 23-28 from the line while Miami was 20-32.
Game 3 was in Miami and the Heat won and were 20-34 while Dallas was 18-26 and in game 4 another Heat win, Miami was 23-36 and Cuban’s boys 21-27. Game 5 saw the Heat win as we mentioned and they were a whopping 32-49 while Dallas was 21-25, in fact Wade himself had as many attempts and makes as Dallas!
These finals are becoming like all the reality shows on television in that they are so removed from reality that it is humorous. The referees are clearly intimidated in the home building and the best proposition bet is that the home team will attempt more free throws. Furthermore the NBA czar David Stern also tilted the outcome in the direction of Miami last night by suspended Jerry Stackhouse for his bump of Shaq.
Now the scene shifts back to the Lone Star State and the Texans are ready for a lynching and Stern may want to watch this game from the comfort of his home. After last nights game billionaire owner Mark Cuban attacked the scorers table and stared down the commissioner, as well as screamed at official Joe DeRosa. Cuban should be looking at a huge penalty, but I’m not sure if Stern has the balls to incite the Dallas rioters any further.
The bottom line is that Dallas is 4 of 5 with the point spread in this series, gets the home court and another double digit is points with the return of Stackhouse. The line had already been established at Mavs -6 and that incidentally is the highest number hung in any game to date. The linemakers realize that Dallas is the better team, are at home and will get to the foul line more.
They need to get some two way action and they will with public money and recreational bettors, who figure another thrilling finish is about to take place. This will not occur!
Have you ever watch an old western movie where the bad guys go into the saloon and grab some innocent dude and tie him to rope hooked up to a horse drawn wagon. Then they proceed to take this guy for a disturbing and torturous journey.
This is akin to what will transpire in American Airlines West tomorrow as the Mavericks will deliver an old fashion beating and easily cover the spread!
Bob Acton
