2011 NBA Playoff Team Grades: Western Conference

The Mavericks were able to take the gold on Sunday night, as Dirk Nowitzki had his worst shooting game in the series, going 9-for-27. More importantly, the German sharpshooter was able to execute down the stretch, scoring three important baskets with less than five minutes left to play. This wasn't too much of a surprise for those following the Mavs this season, with Nowitzki consistently coming through for the squad in when they most needed him in the playoffs. Now with the season all over, it's time to hand out some post season team grades.

Denver Nuggets: C-

The Nuggets did the unexpected and snuck their way into the playoffs without the help of Carmelo this time around. Everything was spoiled when they had to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, giving them the early exit. Ty Lawson led the team in scoring in the post season, averaging 15.6 points a game, but the Denver fans were left waiting for some more production coming from regular-season studs, J.R. Smith and Arron Afflalo.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B-

The Thunder were destined to make it to the Finals this season, after going toe-to-toe with the Lakers in the playoffs last season. Overall, they did well getting past adrenaline hopefuls such as the Grizzlies and Nuggets, but they met their match against Dallas in the Conference Finals. The turnovers and forced shots by Westbrook didn't help the cause, neither did the play of Kendrick Perkins, who only average 4.5 points and six boards in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers: C+

The reigning champs went down in shame after failing to stop the open looks the Mavericks were getting the Semifinals. Looking back at the Mavs-Lakers series, Dallas was feasting beyond the arch and exposed the Lakers' weaknesses on the court. The way Los Angeles went out wasn't too classy either, this team will have an interesting off season.

San Antonio Spurs: F

Such an impressive regular season, winning 61 and only losing 21 games. Once these vets opened the door to their first round match up to the Grizzlies, they were stunned and sent home early. Parker, Ginobili and Duncan weren't at their best, but they had some great games. Richard Jefferson was the disgusting disappointment in this year's playoffs for San Antonio, I rather not mention his numbers in the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies: A-

Give this group some credit, after starting the season 4-9, they began to put together winning runs behind the play of Z-Bo and Rudy Gay. Not mention they took their fierce defense led by a bunch of hungry role players into the playoffs, shocking the Spurs before taking the Thunder to seven games.

New Orleans Hornets: C

The Hornets were outmanned by the Lakers in the first round, losing the series 4-2. Their post season was marked by the outstanding play coming from their leader in Chris Paul and their overachieving Carl Landry. Trevor Ariza was also an asset on offense, but this team needs more.

Portland Trail Blazers: C+

Portland had to face the Mavericks in the first round, winning only two games against Dallas. LaMarcus Aldridge carried his impressive play into the post season, averaging 20.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Blazers did everything they could, making it an entertaining series. Brandon Roy averaged 9.3 points and 2.8 assists in his monitored playing time through the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks: A+

The Mavericks couldn't of closed their 2010-2011 campaign any better; peeling the skin off the bloated Miami Heat in the Finals in six. Dirk Nowitzki evolved into a Hall of Famer in front of our eyes through the years, his performance in this season's playoffs helped cement his legacy in Dallas as the best seven-foot shooter in the league's history.