The Unsung Hero

As the Mavs watch the remainder of the OKC-Memphis series, the feeling is this is the their year to make a title run. But what's different with this team then previous years? The Mavs have always been a force during the regular season only to get bounced in the NBA Playoffs without much resistance.

Sure Dirk is playing more physical as most analysts agree, but the real reason is Tyson Chandler. He is the difference maker for this team, and he brings toughness and physicality to this team, and it has a rippling effect on each player. From top to bottom, this roster feeds off of Tyson Chandler's energy. Offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, and timely dunks that inject a shock of energy right into the heart of the Mavs is what Tyson Chandler brings night in and night out. His presence can't be denied, his attitude can't be overlooked, and his dominance can't be overshadowed by the plethora of superstars surrounding him on the Mavs roster. 

Heart and toughness is what Chandler brings to the Mavs roster

 This Mavs team has been embarrassed, and has been labeled, by many, as "choke artists" come playoff time in the previous years following their demise in the NBA Finals vs the Miami Heat. They have dominated the regular season, and crumbled like cookies in the playoffs. The roster is virtually the same as previous years, yet they have managed to sweep the 2-time defending champion LA Lakers, and managed to close out a series on the road in probably one of the hardest arena's to win a road game, The Rose Garden. When the Mavs gave up a 20+ point lead to Portland many people, including Dallas Mavs fans, said,"here we go again." However, this is a different Mavs team.

Whether it was in New Orleans with Chris Paul, or now in Dallas, Tyson Chandler has adapted to the players around him, and made them better. He is a gritty tough nose defender that works hard, and takes it upon himself to will his team to victory each rebound and hustle play at a time.While this is Dirk's train, Tyson seems to be engine, and the driving force for the Mavs. Tyson will be getting one hell of a payday, and rightfully so, at the close of this season. Expect Mark Cuban to reward the big man with a pretty lucrative deal. The scary part with Tyson is he is only 28, and seems to be getting healthy entering the prime of his career. Once thought as a bust drafted out of high school, Tyson Chandler has made a complete 180' and completely changed his image and perception. Ironically, the Mavs have seen their franchise make a turnaround since adding Tyson Chandler to their roster.