The Mavericks finally won a game in the Finals in which they out played the Heat for four quarters. The Mavericks have made a living in the playoffs by outscoring their opponents from behind the arc. The Mavericks out shot Miami for the third time from three land and guess what? They have won all three games of those games. Three pointers are the only common trend in the series, the only stat that has equaled victory. Win the three point battle and you win the game.
Jason Terry hit a three with 3:23 left to tie the game at 100. From that point on Miami turned the ball over twice and missed all three of their shots until Bosh drew a foul and hit one of two from the line. Miami's stagnant isolation offense allows Dallas to focus completely on the man with the ball and crowd the paint forcing Miami into contested jumpers. There has to be more movement, more screens, and more pick n rolls for Miami's offense to succeed in the fourth quarter, especially in a slugfest shootout kind of game.
Miami's back is up against the wall heading home for Game 6. Their stars are beaten physically (Wade) and mentally (Lebron). Their critics are riding higher than ever. What can they do differently? How do they get Lebron more engaged offensively? How hurt is Wade? Can Chris Bosh carry them for two games if Wade really is hurt? Will Spoelstra still have a job if they lose Game 6? All questions that the Heat will have to answer for us on Sunday, I can hardly wait.
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