NBA Finals 2011: 8 Predictions for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Dallas
Dirk Nowitzki’s late game heroics have spun all the momentum Dallas’ way as we prepare for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The series shifts from South Beach to the Lonestar state as both teams will be jostling for that 2-1 series lead.
This is a game that Miami desperately needs to win, or else they will be in bad shape heading into Game 4. The Heat appeared to have this series well in check, but as we found out, seven minutes can make all the difference.
Read on as I deliver eight predictions for tomorrow night’s pivotal Game 3 NBA Finals matchup.
Chris Bosh Will Have a Breakout Performance
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Ever since Chris Bosh’s 34-point outburst in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Chicago, the big man’s production has steadily dropped off.
Bosh shot 4-16 from the field and only scored 12 points in Miami’s Game 2 loss versus Dallas. I realize that the Mavericks have an imposing front line, but Bosh needs to give the Heat better production and efficiency.
In tomorrow night’s pivotal Game 3, Miami will need every member of their “Big Three” to play to the utmost of their abilities.
Despite the fact that Miami will be on the road at Dallas, I expect Bosh to redeem himself for Thursday night’s subpar performance.
Dallas Will Continue to Dominate on the Glass
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Dallas owned a definitive rebounding advantage in their Game 2 victory over Miami. I expect this trend to carry over as we continue on with the series.
Tyson Chandler, Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion dominated on the boards. Dallas is doing a better job of rebounding the basketball by committee, whereas Miami is getting little outside of James, Bosh and Wade.
Obviously, the Mavericks frontcourt is stronger in comparison to their backcourt. Dallas has more quality bodies in this aspect of the game.
Dallas has the decided advantage over the Heat in the frontcourt. Expect the Mavericks to continue to impose their will on the glass in Game 3.
No Fourth Quarter Collapse for Miami
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ESPN columnist J.A. Adande was critical of the Heat’s collapse Thursday night. Adande argued that Miami was doing a little too much celebrating before the game was actually won.
I will agree with J.A. that the Heat did seem a little too loose when they were up 15 points midway through the fourth quarter.
Miami’s dramatics have been a point of contention for critics dating back to the “Big Three's WWE style” introduction last fall. Nevertheless, do not expect Miami to let a lead like that slip away once again.
I am not going to predict that the Heat will be leading by a substantial margin in the fourth quarter of Game 3, but if they are then you can expect the club to close the deal this time.
Dirk’s Finger Will Not Slow Him Down
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It is well known that Dirk Nowitzki is playing with a torn tendon in his left finger. I am here to tell you that this injury will not inhabit Dirk or play a crucial role during the upcoming games in the series.
Nowitzki’s Game 2 heroics should put to rest any speculation that this injury will significantly slow down Dirk. Nowitzki is so close to earning that ever elusive NBA Championship ring. Needless to say, the big man is determined to emerge victorious in this series.
The pain is his finger will pale in comparison to the adrenaline he will be feeling as he steps onto the court for Game 3.
Dallas’ Home Court Will Not Be a Huge Advantage
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We have already seen that home court advantage does not always equate to victories for the home team.
Personally, I never felt that home court advantage was nearly as advantageous in the NBA in comparison to college basketball. Yes, Dallas will have the advantage of playing behind a raucous home crowd tomorrow night. That does not give the Mavericks a definitive advantage in Game 3 though.
LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are tenured players. Wade and James have both played in the NBA Finals before. The Dallas home crowd will be a boost to the Mavericks, but it will not throw the Heat off their game.
Home court advantage should be noted, but do not use it as an overly telling barometer.
Mark Cuban Will Be in Rare Form on the Sideline
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I know that this is not exactly a bold prediction. I am also aware that Mark Cuban will have no impact on the final score of Game 3.
With that being said, it is nice to see the Dallas Mavericks owner presiding over an NBA Finals game at his venue once again. You will not find Cuban sipping on a drink in a luxury box. Instead, Mark can be found respectfully debating an official’s call in one of his courtside seats.
I realize that the Mavericks owner is a derisive figure, but you can count me as one of the people who thinks that he is good for the NBA. Cuban will definitely make his presence felt tomorrow night.
Jason Kidd Will Take Better Care of the Ball
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Dallas does not need Jason Kidd to be a high volume scorer, but the Mavericks do need Kidd to make sound decisions and take care of the basketball.
Kidd’s five turnovers trumped Miami point guard Mike Bibby’s one giveaway. It should be noted that Kidd did play 16 more minutes than Bibby, but that is still a high amount of turnovers for the seasoned veteran.
Dallas needs Jason Kidd to be operating on a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio. The five turnovers and five assists that Kidd had in Game 2 need to be improved on.
I expect the point guard to do a better job of taking care of the basketball in Game 3.
Miami Will Take Game Three
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Miami will bounce back after their Game 2 meltdown and take Game 3. As I said earlier, the Heat will get better production out of Chris Bosh. Bosh will chip in more than the 12 points and eight rebounds he produced on Thursday night.
This Miami team will also show resiliency with their backs against the wall. Dwyane Wade is the leader of this Heat team and I do not foresee him allowing his teammates to sulk over their Game 2 loss.
Aside from the last seven minutes of Game 2, the Heat have outplayed the Mavericks in this series.
Miami knows that they need to take back control of this series, and they will come up with an inspired effort for the victory.
