NBA FINALS-Heat Style

18 years. That's how long the Miami Heat have been in the business of playing basketball games. In all those years though they've been in the business of searching for one thing, winning it all. They've had shots, they've gotten close, but never this close. The early years were filled with lots of losing but lots of fun moments as well. From that first win after seventeen straight losses to open up their franchise history to now just four wins away from eternal glory. How did we get here? Two words: Pat Riley.

The games greatest winner came to Miami 11 years ago, with lots of promises, wins, ego, reputation, but most importantly this Rings, success in the Finals as a player and a coach. He was everything the Heat wanted and never had. He talked about a parade down Biscayne Boulevard, and the words sounded as sweet as the success he promised. Yet, success didn't come easy, the Heat has taken its lumps the past 11 years all in the name of one reason, after all the Ring is the thing.

From losing to the Knicks to losing Zo to his kidney ailment, to two consecutive losing seasons, the first in Pat Riley's career the Heat has suffered but the road to redemption and success all that gets wiped away and begins to erode starting tonight.

It's come down to this the NBA Finals, the chance the Heat have been sweating for, crying for, bleeding for, working for, preparing for and most importantly perhaps built for from the vision of one man, Pat Riley. How will they get it done it will take 3 things:

1. Contain the supporting cast-Dirk Nowitzki has been on fire this season and even more so this postseason, but he can't do it alone. The Heat has to get Josh Howard, Desagana Diop, Erick Dampier, Jason Terry, Jerry Stackhouse and the rest of the Mavericks supporting cast to play like what they are, just players. Dirk is the star and he's made everyone else better like a true MVP candidate but he can't do it alone. They can't let the Mavericks cast convince themselves that they are better than they are, break their confidence and the Heat is on their way. The Heat must exploit the fact that the only ring in Dallas is on Avery Johnson's finger, and he's coaching not playing.

2. Hit the wide open shots- Sounds easy right? Well the Heat will be seeing their fair share of wide open jumpers with Dallas trying to contain Wade and Shaq. They must hit them. Plain and simple, if the Heat makes their open shots, and their free throws (when and if they get them) they will win. Sounds easy? Time to get it done.

3. Stay the course- Pat Riley blew up last year's team for one reason, and one reason only to win a title. All throughout the playoffs they've talked about one thing 16 wins, that's what they wanted. Get to 16 wins. Like a mantra they've repeated it and now is the stage they've gotten ready for it is their time. If they stay their course, listen to their true leader, Riley, they will win. Stay the course and the Ring will be there for them at the end.

So here we are Dallas has had its up and downs in its franchise history and are making their debut in these NBA Finals as is Miami. All the words, signifying nothing, it is time to prove who the best team is...

Miami is, Heat in 5.