For the first time in the Zen Master's storied coaching career, he went out on a limb. On the wrong end of the broom. I'm not a Lakers fan, but Phil Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. 11 titles in 20 or so seasons- correct me on this if I'm wrong. Having the best players in their prime and grooming them for success. Falling short of a fourth go-around for a three-peat. The Lakers were out rebounded, out run, and bullied and hammered at the three point line. In game 2, they couldn't hit a three pointer till the 4th quarter. The first and third games of the series were winnable but they collapsed in the fourth quarter, or rather, let the Mavs come from behind with momentum to hold on to the end.

And as for the final game, they came out looking defeated, frustrated that nothing could go right for them. It was clearly shown when Odom and Bynum had unnecessary elbows to Dirk/Barera's face/body when the game was out of reach in the fourth quarter. Both of them will most likely be suspended for the season opener come late October/early November. Poor sportsmanship. They were supposed to be playing like the defending champions, yes, they did but they were out of gas and tired and looked discontent and disenchanted. Matt Barnes and Steve Blake who were signed in the offseason to strengthen the bench were basically a non factor in the series. No production. And Kobe was shut down in the fourth quarter for all games. As what he said after game one, somewhere along the lines of  "They (Dallas) could be the team that beats us," The Mavs did beat them. They tormented and exposed their defense and shut down the offense. And why did Kobe not take over the game and like he has in the past, scoring twenty points in the fourth quarter, driving to the basket, slashing, cutting through in the paint when the team needed a spark to get them going? That is probably something he should be thinking about.

The Mavs did not have their two-time all star, Caron Butler play a single minute since January when he got injured but they won. Jason Kidd, who will be in the hall of fame once he hangs up his shoes probably realized that this is last chance at winning a title before he retires, with Dirk still in his prime, and aging in the next few years...

Atlanta might have a legitimate chance of forcing a game 7 in Chicago and pushing the Bulls to the limit.

More later.