6/6/11

Heat 88 Mavericks 86
Mia lead 2-1

The Miami Heat bounced back from their game 2 collapse to narrowly defeat the Dallas Mavericks in game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki traded baskets late in fourth quarter, but it was Chris Bosh who hit the game’s most important shot. With the game tied at 86 and under a minute to play, Bosh hit what would turn out to be the game winner jumper from the left corner. After a Nowitzki turnover and yet another LeBron James brick, Dallas had one last opportunity to tie or win the game with 4.4 seconds remaining in regulation. There was no doubt who the ball was going to in that situation. Instead of attempting a game winning three, Nowitzki opted for a deep turn around two-point field. It was a shot that we have seen Dirk hit so many times, but this time his shot hit off the back rim and bounced out as time expired.

Dirk Nowitzki was the game’s high scorer with 34 points, and he also grabbed 11 rebounds. Dwayne Wade continues to proves who the Miami Heat truly belong to by continuing his stellar NBA Finals play. Wade finished with 29 points, and 11 rebounds. Chris Bosh added 18 points and LeBron James had 17 points. Mario Chalmers hit several crucial threes off the bench and finished with 12 points.

The Heat will look to place a strangle hold on the series wednesday night in game 4 of the NBA Finals.