Mavs Make NBA Finals (You Read It Here Second)

We don’t normally report stories in other magazines, but as any trip to rockin’ Reunion Arena will demonstrate, these are not normal times.

Tired of the same old Bird and Magic and Kareem in the NBA finals? This could be your year. According to the May issue of SPORT magazine, an authoritative voice for three decades, we’ll see an all-Southern NBA final matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks, who will knock off the mighty Celtics in the East. After dwelling a bit too long on the Hawks-who are really little more than a Dallas subsidiary, what with Spud Webb and SMU-ex Jon Koncak-the editors get around to the real show, the NBA West: “Dallas Does LA-in Seven.” There’s a headline to make Mavs fans throw up their hands and shout.

If the dream comes true, SPORT says, much credit will be due to center James Donaldson, who gives Dallas the inside strength the team has always lacked. And don’t forget mercurial Mark Aguirre (if you know what’s good for you), Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper, and the rest.

By the way. the SPORT seers also pick the Texas Rangers to win the American League West. Here’s hoping lightning strikes twice.