NBA Finals 2011: Will the Heat Be Able to Slow Down Dirk Nowitzki?

This matchup is what the series is all about, and I think Dirk Nowitzki will cause more problems for Miami defensively than LeBron or Wade will cause for the Mavs.

Chris Bosh is not an exceptional defender. I don?t see him being able to guard Nowitzki as well or better than Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison, Pau Gasol or LaMarcus Aldridge have done so far in the playoffs.

Giving up points is one thing, but the problem with guarding Dirk is you pick up tons of fouls. Serge Ibaka had 5 fouls twice and hit 4 fouls two times in the last series, while Collison fouled out twice, had 5 fouls once and 4 fouls another time. For OKC, sending Ibaka to the bench was not a huge deal, because Collison could come in and play defense better and have potential to score the same amount of points.

Miami does not have that luxury. If Bosh is in foul trouble, they go with a Haslem and Joel Anthony look. Haslem?s defense is good?although he is better defending a more traditional power forward?but his offense is not at the same level as Bosh. With Bosh off the floor, Miami is reduced to LeBron and Wade running with an iffy Mike Bibby, no offense Anthony and either Haslem or Miller who are meant to be fourth or fifth options.

Why Not Put LeBron On Him?

LeBron James would really bother Dirk Nowitzki, but once again, foul trouble is a concern. The Heat can still win with Bosh on the bench, they will not win with James on the bench. Not only do they become less of a threat offensively, but then Peja Stojakovic can come in for more minutes and potentially hit threes over Mike Miller/James Jones.

I think the Heat will use Bosh and Haslem on Dirk Nowitzki for the first three quarters then try out LeBron on him in the fourth. For this to work, James will have to have only 2 or 3 fouls going into the fourth quarter, because he will likely pick up 2 while guarding Dirk for 12 minutes. If he hits number 5, then he has to be less aggressive on Dirk for fear of fouling out. 

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