This Is What Happened

So, we're up by 13 with 6 minutes to play...

*Dallas's body language showed that they were done with the game, and felt that they had won the game.
*The D wasn't nearly as crisp anymore.
*Miami hit their shots.

That's it. Now it's 2-1. We didn't think this would be a shut-out, or at least I didn't think it would be a shut out. Regardless of tonight's outcome, Dallas has to be better in games 4 and 5 in closing out the game. Dallas had every opportunity to be up 3-0 right now, but the lax play late in the fourth, fueled Miami's comeback.

Now the sportswriters will swing the pendulums back Miami's way, but give me a break. Down by quite a bit, Dallas came back on the opposing team's court, something that Miami didn't do in either game in Dallas. In other words, with the right attitude adjustment in the final minutes of the fourth, and Dallas is comfortably ahead with a 3-0 lead. So, what am I saying?

I'm saying that despite tonight's huge game from Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, Dallas is still in control.

A side note, Dirk Nowitzki has yet to have a great game in the Finals. Missing the freethrow at the end, I'm not blaming his game on that freethrow...however, he has been inconsistent, and Miami has done an outstanding job in shackling him and not allowing him to get loose.

Dallas's streak of winning 24 straight games when Josh Howard has 20 points has been snapped. However, Josh Howard was a major bright spot tonight for the Mavs, as was the strong play of Devin Harris, and the surprisingly resilient play of Dampier.

In this coaching chess match, Avery is still kicking Riley's tail. A couple of free throws, and the death nell would be ringing for Riley all over the country.

I'm Joe, and that's how I see it.

PS
Gary Payton hitting that shot...unbelievable. I don't know whether or not he walked, but it doesn't really matter. He was there when they needed him.

See you Thursday.

MAVS FAN FOR LIFE