2011 NBA Finals: Why Game 3 Win Won't Mean Series Win for the Mavericks

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Since 1985 in the NBA finals, in a series tied at one game apiece, the winner of game three goes on to win the series 100 percent of the time—but that won't happen this year

The Dallas Mavericks have all the momentum in the NBA Finals. They stole a victory in Miami in the last seconds of Game 2. Dirk Nowitzki was sensational. Their defense was impeccable in the closing minutes of the game. Now they head back home to a building that is full of rabid fans anticipating a win for the home team. A win is just what they are going to get.

Dallas needs three more victories to be champions. The next three games are at home. There is just one glaring problem: The Miami Heat haven't lost 3 games in a row all year.

Say what you will about the Heat's collapse in Game 2, but for the most part they have outplayed Dallas in the series so far. Miami's athleticism has shown to be a strength. Their defense has been numbing, save for the last six minutes of Game 2.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have played very well. They've gotten contributions from Mike Miller, Mike Bibby, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, and Mario Chalmers. All they have to do is win one more game and the series goes back to Miami.

If I am a Heat fan, that has to be on my mind. It takes one win to get back to Miami. To be completely honest, I don't think Dallas has a prayer of winning in Miami. The team will be seriously focused at home, on a court that they know well, in front of a crowd that will drive their energy upwards.

I give Dallas credit for winning Game 2. They played their hearts out and fought for that win. But, the Heat are in the shadows looking for just one game to take in Dallas. Dallas better play their A-game every time out on the court, and hope the Heat doesn't bring their A-game with them.

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