I can't believe I have lived long enough to see the Dallas Mavericks finally win an NBA championship! What a great evening with my wife and younger son after dropping off the older one in Austin for the University of Texas swim camp.
Watching the series between the Mavericks and Heat reminded me of how important true teammates and true teamwork is for all endeavors. No one outside of the Mavericks faithful expected the Mavericks to win. The Heat had more of the one name stars: DWade, Lebron, Bosh. The Mavs? Dirk (or maybe it should be LeDirk, or ReDirkulous, or LeDirkulous). But what I found most heartening is that the Mavericks won with a team of focused contributors who went beyond any perceived physical limitations and displayed what true teamwork can accomplish in the face of adversity and supposed insurmountable odds.
Every player on the Mavericks team was a vital contributor to the championship in at least one game. EVERY SINGLE PLAYER. Who would have thought Ian Mahinmi would have been crucial in providing rebounds, defense, and even 4 points in last night's game in so few minutes of play? Before the playoffs, who would have bet good money that J.J. Barea would have been a contender for series MVP? Who would have thought Peja Stojakovic still had some movement in his legs and could still fire off key, clutch 3 pointers? Who is Brian Cardinal? No, seriously, who is Brian Cardinal???
Like Rick Carlisle, I too am relying on a team effort to beat my insurmountable/unbeatable odds against cancer. I am relying on every doctor, nurse, technician, family member, friend, and the unknown faithful to help push me through the battles. There have been some big bumps early, but I have faith that my path is still clear to me and that everyone around me will keep me focused and lead, push, or drag me to the right choices and the finish line.
No one can build a dream, a champion, a full life, or a winner against cancer without THE team. The Mavericks have shown that it isn't about age, how high you jump, how many times you dunk, how many tattoos you have, or how many bad commercials you make. They have shown how a group of humble and relatively unknown individuals can put aside their differences and focus on the elements that make them function as one cohesive and nearly unstoppable unit. When you look back at the recent spate of NBA champions and you see teams with multiple stars like Kobe, Shaq, Rondo, Allen, etc., it should amaze you that a team like the Mavericks with some proven but aging veterans and a 6 time all star player with 13 years in the league, was able to power their way through the playoffs and the Dream Team Heat.
Some times it really isn't about the stars, or the Benjamins, or the glitz and glamour. Some times it truly is about determination, resiliency, and HEART. I am beyond happy to have seen the Mavericks bring home the gold. I am even more determined to match their determination, resiliency, and heart to bring back my life to the team that is my family, friends, and caregivers.
Have a great day, and SEE YOU AT THE PARADE!
Watching the series between the Mavericks and Heat reminded me of how important true teammates and true teamwork is for all endeavors. No one outside of the Mavericks faithful expected the Mavericks to win. The Heat had more of the one name stars: DWade, Lebron, Bosh. The Mavs? Dirk (or maybe it should be LeDirk, or ReDirkulous, or LeDirkulous). But what I found most heartening is that the Mavericks won with a team of focused contributors who went beyond any perceived physical limitations and displayed what true teamwork can accomplish in the face of adversity and supposed insurmountable odds.
Every player on the Mavericks team was a vital contributor to the championship in at least one game. EVERY SINGLE PLAYER. Who would have thought Ian Mahinmi would have been crucial in providing rebounds, defense, and even 4 points in last night's game in so few minutes of play? Before the playoffs, who would have bet good money that J.J. Barea would have been a contender for series MVP? Who would have thought Peja Stojakovic still had some movement in his legs and could still fire off key, clutch 3 pointers? Who is Brian Cardinal? No, seriously, who is Brian Cardinal???
Like Rick Carlisle, I too am relying on a team effort to beat my insurmountable/unbeatable odds against cancer. I am relying on every doctor, nurse, technician, family member, friend, and the unknown faithful to help push me through the battles. There have been some big bumps early, but I have faith that my path is still clear to me and that everyone around me will keep me focused and lead, push, or drag me to the right choices and the finish line.
No one can build a dream, a champion, a full life, or a winner against cancer without THE team. The Mavericks have shown that it isn't about age, how high you jump, how many times you dunk, how many tattoos you have, or how many bad commercials you make. They have shown how a group of humble and relatively unknown individuals can put aside their differences and focus on the elements that make them function as one cohesive and nearly unstoppable unit. When you look back at the recent spate of NBA champions and you see teams with multiple stars like Kobe, Shaq, Rondo, Allen, etc., it should amaze you that a team like the Mavericks with some proven but aging veterans and a 6 time all star player with 13 years in the league, was able to power their way through the playoffs and the Dream Team Heat.
Some times it really isn't about the stars, or the Benjamins, or the glitz and glamour. Some times it truly is about determination, resiliency, and HEART. I am beyond happy to have seen the Mavericks bring home the gold. I am even more determined to match their determination, resiliency, and heart to bring back my life to the team that is my family, friends, and caregivers.
Have a great day, and SEE YOU AT THE PARADE!
Good Stuff.... Wishing you the very best team imaginable!
ReplyDeleteI'm very proud to say I've been rallying with my TEAM WU pom-poms! Ur blog is most enlightening and you show such an optimistic outlook, I'm so proud of u for fighting this battle like a true warrior. High 5 my friend. Strong work- keep it up. I'll be on the other side of your words- cheering u on.
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