Heat, Mavs both demonstrate belief

DALLAS -- The NBA finals are a new phenomenon in this part of Texas and in Pat Riley's part of Florida.

The Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat have never been this far in the postseason, and there's plenty of rafter room for the banner to be won in the next two weeks.

Yet Riley knows how teams get this far, and it isn't just with the buzzer-beating shots and star-making performances that have run rampant in the most exciting postseason in recent memory.

Dallas and Miami have a wealth of talent, but they became finalists on faith -- in a system, in teammates, in a collective will to topple previous champions and shake up the NBA.

"They believe, like we do," said Riley, back for his ninth finals appearance with his third club -- the first one he built himself. "They believe in something a lot stronger. That's why teams come together. They believe in each other, and believe in something."

Dallas coach Avery Johnson has spoken of the same belief, but it will be tested on both sidelines when Game 1 tips off tonight. Not much is similar about these two teams, apart from a hunger for victory and endurance through their playoff struggles.

The Heat have peaked in the postseason with impressive efforts from Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal and their eclectic cast of supporting players. The Mavericks used their versatility and a breakout performance from Dirk Nowitzki, who stole O'Neal's mantle as the game's most dominant 7-footer during a wonderful postseason.

For O'Neal, it's a chance to win his first championship without Kobe Bryant by his side -- and a chance to make his late-career move to Miami into the success he predicted nearly two years ago, when he guaranteed a championship to the fans of South Florida.

"Right now as a player, I have three, but I'm not satisfied with three," O'Neal said of his ring collection. "You want more, and I have the opportunity right now to get more. ... Personally, it just adds to my book."

Two teams without prior championships are in the finals for the first time since 1971.