NBA Finals 2011: Game-by-Game Predictions for Rest of Heat vs. Mavericks Series
With a furious comeback, the Dallas Mavericks completely changed the outlook of the whole series. Instead of heading home losing the series by a 2-0 margin, they have tied the Heat and made them look silly in the process.
Now that the Finals are tied at one game apiece, it's time to make some predictions for Game 3 and beyond.
Game 3: Revenge
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Let's face it, folks: The Miami Heat are absolutely ticked off right now.
After relinquishing a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter and a game-winner to Dirk Nowitzki, there is no way they won't give it their all four straight quarters on Sunday.
Assuming Miami continues to place Udonis Haslem on Dirk defensively, it will be a long night.
The Heat win by six.
Heat Lead Series 2-1
Player of the Game: LeBron James
Game 4: Dirk Goes Off
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Frustrated by their poor performance in Game 3, the Dallas Mavericks will enter the arena on Tuesday rejuvenated as ever, and Dirk Nowitzki will go absolutely off, regardless of if it's Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh or Udonis Haslem guarding him.
The Dallas defense is finally able to hold LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to fewer than 20 points apiece, and it finally works out for them.
With the series on the line, Dirk steps up with 12 points in the fourth quarter en route to helping the Mavs coast through the final three minutes.
Dallas wins by seven.
Series Tied at 2-2
Player of the Game: Dirk Nowitzki
Game 5: The Tides Turn
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After the Dallas Mavericks tie up at the series at two games apiece, they look like they're on their way to taking Game 5 and the series.
But then, the Miami Heat deliver a disturbing reminder of why people consider them the best team in basketball and effectively squander the Mavs' last chance to win a game at home.
The surprise player of the game is none other than the defensive presence that is Joel Anthony of the Heat. In a winning effort, Anthony scores 10 points and grabs 10 boards for a double-double. He also "holds" Dirk Nowitzki to 20.
Heat win it by 12.
Heat Lead Series 3-2
Player of the Game: Joel Anthony
Game 6: The End
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As the Heat make their journey back to South Beach with a 3-2 lead in the Finals, Dwyane Wade makes an inspirational speech that helps boost Miami to its second NBA championship.
The game starts off slow, and at half the Mavs lead by two. Using shades of Games 1 and 2, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion and the rest of the roster goes stone cold, and the Heatles take advantage.
Wade, LeBron and the crew win by a four-point margin and effectively take away any doubts the critics still have.
Dwyane finishes the series with a triple-double, and in turn is easily the player of the game.
Erik Spoelstra is elated by the victory, and the Heat walk away winners.
This rematch is unlike the '06 Finals in the fact that it is completely fair, and it definitely confirms the Heat's standing as the super team of the NBA.
Half of the basketball world goes into a collective depression, and the other half sees two legends gain rings—LeBron's first and Wade's second.
Heat Win Series 4-2
Player of the Game: Dwyane Wade
NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James
