But this best-of-7 series is now far from over, as Miami proves they can match the solid defense of Dallas, while allowing Wade to run the floor.
Dwyane Wade handily led Miami with 42 points... but unfortunately Shaq led with 7 turnovers, which was part of the Heat's undoing in the first three periods. A 12-2 run in the final minutes of the game brought them within 3 points of tying it back up, before the two teams hammered it out up until the final second of play, where Nowitzki's alley oop pass attempt to tie the game was blocked before the buzzer sounded.
The great thing about the fast pace of basketball is that no lead is insurmountable until the very end. Miami was up by 10 points at the half, Dallas was up by 13 points in the fourth... and all it takes is a run, and defense not getting rebounds for it to disappear. Game 3 was a great example of the energy you'd expect to find in a Finals match-up.
Dallas still appears to have the upper hand, as a narrow victory by the Heat was hard fought. Miami will need to tighten up their offense and not allow so many turnovers, in order to even the series before it returns to Dallas.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
No idea how they pulled that off. But Wade is quickly turning into the Derek Jeter of basketball. Great in the regular season games, transcendant in the late rounds of the playoffs.
2 - reggie von woic
a friend of mine texted me about ten minutes to finish and was like "Dallas have officially taken over the game".
i couldn't possibly have rubbed it in more.
i'm really hoping Miami continue like this.
3 - David R Perry
Wade and Shaq are both great players, but unless Miami starts getting more help from their bench, they're sunk.
Although, I hope they don't get that help, cause I'm actually pulling for Dallas...
4 - RJ Elliott
The NBA Finals are in the 2-3-2 format...so Miami stays at home for Game Five...but they better win all their home games, because Game Six and Game Seven are back in Dallas...
5 - Q Bit
Suss:
Shaq made clutch free throws :-)
6 - RJ Elliott
Shaq: "I make them when they count"
RJ: "They ALWAYS count!!!"