2011 NBA Finals; Dirk, Mavericks Come Through, Even Series at two
Any time Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and the Miami Heat lead a series 3-1 with two home games remaining, you can just turn off your T.V. and forget about the series, because no surprises are coming.
The Mavericks prevented that scenario.
Dirk rebounded from a fever to score 21 points, including a huge layup with 14 seconds left, as Dallas fended off Miami 86-83 to tie the Finals at three. Game 5 is Thursday night in Dallas.
Two of the three puzzle pieces were put in place for Miami, but by the way LeBron played, you would think he had a fever. BronBron scored eight points, shot three of eleven from the field, and made two of four free throws.
Any time LeBron is that miserable, you'd think even the Heat had no chance. On this occasion, however, Dirk scored just 13 more than James, and he led the team in scoring. Jason Kidd had 0 points and three assists.
Miami led for most of the fourth quarter, but with just over five minutes left, Jason Terry put in a fastbreak layup to give Dallas a 79-78 lead. After Tyson Chandler drained a free throw, the Mavericks held an 80-78 lead, and the momentum of the crowd.
After both teams exchanged baskets, Dirk and DeShawn Stevenson had chances to put the game away, but they both missed open threes, and on one of the rebounds, D-Wade got a fastbreak. He was about to throw in the tying dunk, but he was fouled.
His first free throw rimmed into the air, but it fell back through the hoop, making it a one-point game. He had a chance to tie, but his second free throw rimmed out, and Dirk got the rebound.
Dallas had a chance to milk most of the clock, but instead, Dirk opted to take a layup. He drove past Udonis Haslem, put the ball up just before Wade could block it, and gave Dallas a three-point lead.
Unfortunately for the Mavs, it only took Wade five seconds to counter, as the slippery point guard dribbled past Tyson Chandler and slammed the ball through the hoop, making it an 84-83 game.
For Dallas, someone had to make the clutch shots, and it wasn't going to be Dirk, who was double-teamed. Instead, Jason Terry broke free, wasted 2.3 seconds, and was fouled by James.
Terry drained both free throws, and after Dwyane Wade dropped the inbounds pass and set up a desperation heave by Mike Miller (which missed), the series was tied, and the fans in Dallas were ready for Game 5.
The two Big Three members not getting as much attention combined for 56 of the teams 86 points, or about 65 percent. However, James only added eight, most of his points on fastbreaks or tip-ins.
LeBron has averaged 17.3 PPG during the Finals, where he has struggled to step up and make plays in his career, as his teams are 2-6 during the Finals. If James doesn't step up, this series might be headed south for Miami, and South Beach won't be too happy with their top ball club.
Game 5 is Thursday night in Dallas.
The Mavericks prevented that scenario.
Dirk rebounded from a fever to score 21 points, including a huge layup with 14 seconds left, as Dallas fended off Miami 86-83 to tie the Finals at three. Game 5 is Thursday night in Dallas.
Two of the three puzzle pieces were put in place for Miami, but by the way LeBron played, you would think he had a fever. BronBron scored eight points, shot three of eleven from the field, and made two of four free throws.
Any time LeBron is that miserable, you'd think even the Heat had no chance. On this occasion, however, Dirk scored just 13 more than James, and he led the team in scoring. Jason Kidd had 0 points and three assists.
Miami led for most of the fourth quarter, but with just over five minutes left, Jason Terry put in a fastbreak layup to give Dallas a 79-78 lead. After Tyson Chandler drained a free throw, the Mavericks held an 80-78 lead, and the momentum of the crowd.
After both teams exchanged baskets, Dirk and DeShawn Stevenson had chances to put the game away, but they both missed open threes, and on one of the rebounds, D-Wade got a fastbreak. He was about to throw in the tying dunk, but he was fouled.
His first free throw rimmed into the air, but it fell back through the hoop, making it a one-point game. He had a chance to tie, but his second free throw rimmed out, and Dirk got the rebound.
Dallas had a chance to milk most of the clock, but instead, Dirk opted to take a layup. He drove past Udonis Haslem, put the ball up just before Wade could block it, and gave Dallas a three-point lead.
Unfortunately for the Mavs, it only took Wade five seconds to counter, as the slippery point guard dribbled past Tyson Chandler and slammed the ball through the hoop, making it an 84-83 game.
For Dallas, someone had to make the clutch shots, and it wasn't going to be Dirk, who was double-teamed. Instead, Jason Terry broke free, wasted 2.3 seconds, and was fouled by James.
Terry drained both free throws, and after Dwyane Wade dropped the inbounds pass and set up a desperation heave by Mike Miller (which missed), the series was tied, and the fans in Dallas were ready for Game 5.
The two Big Three members not getting as much attention combined for 56 of the teams 86 points, or about 65 percent. However, James only added eight, most of his points on fastbreaks or tip-ins.
LeBron has averaged 17.3 PPG during the Finals, where he has struggled to step up and make plays in his career, as his teams are 2-6 during the Finals. If James doesn't step up, this series might be headed south for Miami, and South Beach won't be too happy with their top ball club.
Game 5 is Thursday night in Dallas.
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