Let's rewind a bit.
While the Celtics' "Big Four" and the Heat's "Big Three" were locked in a heated battle.
At the American Airlines Center, the Mavericks and the Thunder were also clashing in a high-stakes showdown.
As last season's No. 2 seed in the West, the Mavericks were stunned in the first round by the Spurs in a 7-over-2 upset—only for those same Spurs to be swept by the Suns in the semifinals. The turn of events left many questioning the Mavericks' true strength.
Nowitzki's ability to lead a team was once again thrust into the spotlight.
He had size inside, but preferred to operate on the perimeter. His footwork looked slow, his defense wasn't particularly physical. Paired with a top seed and a first-round exit, he was even labeled a "softie" at one point.
But criticism was criticism.
This season, the Mavericks once again delivered an outstanding record, surpassing the defending champion Lakers and firmly holding second place in the West.
And while Nowitzki's offensive game appeared soft and fluid, his signature fadeaway was not only incredibly difficult to contest, it also came with a remarkably high shooting percentage.
A nightmare to defend.
Tonight, against the Thunder's "Big Three," when the Mavericks were rattled and once trailed by 15 points, Nowitzki stepped forward.
Swish!
Swish!
Swish!
One one-legged fadeaway after another—seemingly impossible shots—splashed through the net over the Thunder's "Big Three." He single-handedly ignited an 8–0 run.
The Mavericks' confidence, on the verge of collapse, surged back to life.
His teammates followed his lead, capitalizing on the momentum—not only erasing the deficit but building an advantage they maintained until the final buzzer, completing the comeback over the Thunder.
"Wow… that height, that release, that accuracy—Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway is just unguardable. There's simply no stopping him from scoring."
Inside ESPN Studio 5.
Dave Pasch, who was on commentary for the broadcast, spoke with clear excitement. Hubie Brown adjusted his glasses and nodded.
"Absolutely. Tonight, he practically carried the team to victory by himself.
He showcased the qualities of a true leader to the fullest.
Some people call him 'soft'? So what? As long as you can score, as long as you can lead your team forward, those doubts will eventually fade away."
"Exactly."
Dave Pasch loosened his tie, clearly fired up.
"Second place in the West—that's the best proof of Nowitzki and the Mavericks' strength.
This year, they'll reclaim the pride they lost last season and show the league that a big man can succeed even with perimeter shooting and a slower offensive rhythm."
"Hm?"
Hubie Brown stroked his chin, then said,
"Dave Pasch, Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway from the perimeter is nearly impossible to defend."
And Blake Su operates on the perimeter too.
Don't you think their offensive styles are somewhat similar?"
"Uh…"
Dave Pasch considered it.
"There are similarities. They're about the same height, too. But… Blake Su is a speed-oriented player. He's not just dominant—he's also incredibly exciting to watch.
Nowitzki really only has the scoring part."
"Right."
Hubie Brown nodded.
"Nowitzki's scoring ability is beyond question. As the team leader and core, he's rock solid.
But the Mavericks' impressive second-place finish in the West isn't just about him. The supporting cast around him can't be underestimated. Their help is what makes this team so strong.
And with a Mavericks squad this powerful, their next game is against the equally formidable Suns. Nowitzki versus Blake Su—a showdown between a perimeter power forward and a perimeter center.
That's something to look forward to."
Dave Pasch knew Hubie Brown was building hype for the Mavericks vs. Suns matchup.
Still, he added,
"That matchup will definitely be exciting. But don't forget—tomorrow night, the Suns are facing the Celtics."
"Ah!"
Hubie Brown immediately understood.
Dave Pasch smiled.
"Suns vs. Celtics—Blake Su taking on the Celtics' 'Big Four,' who just defeated the Heat's 'Big Three.' Before the Mavericks-Suns showdown arrives, this one will be a heavyweight battle as well."
Their exchange made both upcoming games must-watch events for fans.
...
The next day.
8:30 p.m.
US Airways Center.
The Suns and Celtics were wrapping up warmups. This highly anticipated showdown… was about to begin.
Both starting lineups stepped onto the court.
Phoenix Suns Starting Five: 191 cm point guard Steve Nash, 191 cm shooting guard Stephen Curry, 198 cm small forward Vince Carter, 211 cm power forward Channing Frye, and 215 cm center Blake Su.
Boston Celtics Starting Five: 185 cm point guard Rajon Rondo, 196 cm shooting guard Ray Allen, 201 cm small forward Paul Pierce, 211 cm power forward Kevin Garnett, and 216 cm center Shaquille O'Neal.
"Wow…"
Just looking at the Celtics' lineup, Jon Barry couldn't help but click his tongue.
"If this Celtics lineup were all in their primes, I think the NBA might as well roll the credits."
"Haha!"
Mark Jackson laughed.
"In the 2007–08 season, without O'Neal, with Rondo still inexperienced, and the other three already past their peaks, they still won a championship.
If all five were truly at their peak?
Honestly, maybe only Michael Jordan's prime Bulls could go toe-to-toe with them. And even then, I'm not sure the odds would favor Chicago.
After all, these five cover five completely different positions. All in their primes—that's just ridiculous."
"Heh, true enough. But seeing all five in their primes together is probably only possible in a dream. Look—the game's starting."
Jon Barry pointed toward the court as the official game tipped off.
"Jump ball!"
Blake Su and Shaquille O'Neal met at center court. Though O'Neal was one centimeter taller, at this stage of his career he no longer had the explosiveness to win the tip.
Smack!
With effortless ease, Blake Su tapped the ball to his side. Curry secured it and initiated the Suns' first possession, bringing it up the left side before swinging it to Steve Nash at the top of the arc.
One more pass.
Blake Su trailed up to the right wing above the arc and caught the ball. Garnett started to close out—but from a full step beyond the three-point line, Blake Su rose and fired without hesitation, launching a sharp, arrow-like shot.
"A three right away?!"
Garnett was caught off guard. He hadn't expected a center to attack from that deep. By the time he tried to contest, the ball had already sailed over his head.
Swish!
It arced cleanly through the air and dropped straight through the net with a crisp snap.
Nothing but net.
"Whoa!"
Blake Su opened the game by drilling a three right in front of Kevin Garnett. The sight was electric, drawing a wave of reaction from the arena.
But before the cheers could fully swell, the Celtics were already pushing in transition. "Gentleman Ray" sprinted upcourt and pulled up for a transition three of his own—one arrow straight to the heart, returning fire immediately.
Swish!
Just as Celtics fans were about to erupt, Curry caught a long outlet from Nash at the top of the arc. Without hesitation, he pulled up in rhythm—another transition three.
Clean.
Boom!
Right out of the gate, Blake Su, Curry, and Ray Allen—three elite sharpshooters—were perfect from deep. Each knocked down a three, igniting a long-range shootout that instantly set the arena on fire.