What we can learn from tonight's NBA Finals

Well, it looks like the Heat did the seemingly "impossible." Down 2-0 of a best of 7 series, the Heat beat the Mavericks four straight to capture its first crown. Only two teams have achieved that feat. The media, fans, and bloggers (us included) had counted them out. Dallas had already planned a championship ceremony for next week. Who could blame them? The Heat looked flat throughout the first two-and-a-half games. Down 15-or-so points in the fourth quarter with about six minutes to go? FUHGETABOUTIT. Yet, the 15 players fought back. Never relented, never gave up. The reason? Simple:

"We've got 15 strong," Riley said. "It's all about 15 strong." "That's what makes it sweet, because not at one moment did one of us not believe in each other," Wade said. "No matter what, in the locker room it was 15 strong."

Team unity. Believing in each other. Believing in and playing for a higher purpose, beyond any individual ambition. Fundamentals. Yet, so rare in the business world. [See Part 2: What Motivates a Team]

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