Heat Win First-Ever Title, And Even Cuban's Classy About It

Leitch|published: Wed 21st June, 01:05 2006

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Even though their apparently show their loyalty by dressing up like Klan members — even when they're not actually at the arena in which the games are being played, like in this picture — and even though they don't have an owner whose brain is always on the verge of a noisy (and always smart and entertaining!) explosion, it's difficult not to be happy for the Miami Heat, who just beat the Dallas Mavericks 95-92 to win their first NBA championship.

They did it despite an inexplicable two missed free throws down the stretch by Dwyane Wade, who was otherwise outstanding. The real surprise was Udonis Haslem, who seemingly was everywhere. Jason Terry missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it, and it's worth noting that Mark Cuban was quite classy in the loss, stepping out on the court and applauding for the new champs.

It's the first title for the extremely likable Wade, of course, along with Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton, finally notching one. And Pat Riley has his first since Magic Johnson was smiling out there. And then there's Shaq. It's his fourth title, which is two fewer than Michael Jordan ... and one more than Kobe. If one is counting.

More tomorrow, obviously. But congrats to the Heat.

Live Blogging Miami-Dallas Game 6 [True Hoop]