A member of the San Antonio Spurs 2003 championship team, current NBA TV analyst Steve Smith
gave his take on the 2011 NBA Finals series between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat with the series tied 2-2.
Smith pulled no punches when talking about LeBron James’ performance, says Tyson Chandler is the most important player for Dallas, and Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade are playing the best in the Finals. Here’s an excerpt:
Did LeBron James keep the Miami Heat from winning Game 4?
For me, he was in the state of an airplane. He was in a holding pattern. He never really put his impression on the game.
Dirk’s key, but do you think without Tyson Chandler this is a Heat sweep?
The way he’s played, he’s become the most important player. Maybe not the best player. Considering their depth in the front court, he’s the most important player.
If you had to choose the one player that is playing the best in the NBA Finals, who would it be?
I’d have to choose two. Dirk Nowtizki and Dwyane Wade. And that’s why the series is tied. One of those will take over and that’s how Game 5 will be decided, but I’d have to say right now, both of those players.
I agree with him regarding his comments on James and Chandler. A player with Lebron’s ability should never go scoreless in the fourth quarter of a finals game and with a injured Haywood making the Mavs’ frontcourt depth thin, it’s crucial for Chandler to step up.
What do you think about his comments Spurs fans? Was he too harsh on Lebron? Give us your feedback.
