To be sure, Nowitzki had a postseason for the ages, averaging 27.7 points and carrying the Mavericks in long stretches throughout their run to the title. He was legendary at times, cementing his place as one of the all-time great players in league history.
But that is what stars do. Nowitzki made Dallas a contender, as he had the previous 10 seasons, but last year was the first time he had a supporting cast capable of bringing him a ring.
Tyson Chandler was the heart and soul of the defense, Jason Kidd showed he still had some game left in him, and Jason Terry delivered time and again in the clutch. But it was players like J.J. Barea, Shawn Marion and even DeShawn Stevenson, who were left out of most of the pregame ABC montages, who made key plays when the opponents focused on Nowitzki and the Mavericks' complementary scorers.
So as the Celtics wind down the regular season and prepare for what could be an extended playoff run, these final, seemingly meaningless minutes being played by players at the bottom of their rotation could have serious implications for the postseason.
Sasha Pavlovic was the latest to emerge with 16 points Tuesday in a victory over the Miami Heat, adding his name to a list of potentially key reserves that includes Mickael Pietrus and Greg Stiemsma.
"We don't know who will be in the rotation, but these games are good for us because in the playoffs, they take away the first three options," said Celtics guard Keyon Dooling, who has played in 29 career playoff games with the Heat and Magic. "There's going to be a lot of opportunities for guys who are maybe the fourth or fifth option to step up, whether it's Sasha, whether it's me, whether it's MP.
"We don't know who it will be on any given night. It could be somebody different, but we know we possess the tools to be successful."
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers invoked the names of Glen Davis and Leon Powe on Tuesday to underscore the importance of his bench players staying ready. Rivers was referring to Pavlovic and Marquis Daniels as the potential heirs to Big Baby and Zero, but he also said he expects rookie E'Twaun Moore to contribute in the playoffs as well. Avery Bradley will no longer be able to take opponents by surprise, creating the need for a new as-yet unknown hero to arrive.
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo may not be able to carry the Celtics every night now that the opponent will have a full day of practice and a morning walkthrough to formulate a game plan. Nowitzki was named Finals MVP last season, but he was underwhelming in two of the Mavericks' final three wins in that series, and his most brilliant individual performance resulted in a Game 3 loss for Dallas.
While Boston's starters rest, the Celtics' reserves, therefore, can feel their time approaching.
"We're definitely getting ready," Moore said. "Guys have been working on their games, and by us playing some minutes, it's definitely helping us get our games better for when we're needed."
The playoffs begin in three days, and teams will do everything they can to keep the stars from beating them. The difference between a championship and a heartbreaking exit will once again come down to the player everyone least expects.
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