NBA Finals 2011 Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks: Who Has the Edge in Game 5?
With the Mavericks' tough 86-83 win over the Heat tonight, they tied the series at two games apiece. Game 5 will be hosted by the Mavs on Thursday night.
Both teams played immaculate defense and dueled it out the entire night. The matchup was tight, as were some of the star players themselves.
So who has the edge in next game?
LeBron James' Unwillingness to Take Charge
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If LeBron wants to help his team earn a ring, let alone another win, he has to obviously play well throughout the remainder of the series. But, with eight points on 3-11 shooting from the floor, it won't be easy to secure a win. James was repeatedly indecisive with the ball and often stood behind the three-point line waiting for something to happen. He only took one shot in the entire fourth quarter and left his teammates hanging.
He is supposed to lead the team and pave the way for success since his teammates do not possess all the star power that he does.
Dirk Nowitzki's Shot
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Nowitzki's fade away shot is so unstoppable due to his height of 7'0" tall. It is nearly impossible to block or even alter. He consistently shoots around 50 percent from the field. Even when his opponents guard him tightly, he still gets away with a shot fake and draws the foul. Shooting over 90 percent from the charity stripe, he takes nearly every free point he can get.
Miami's Immense Talent
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During the season, most people thought it was only going to be about the Big Three, and it mostly was. However, throughout the course of the playoffs, it has been the Heat's role players that have stepped up during crunch time.
Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller and Mike Bibby are all lethal weapons from the three-point line and are usually left open due to the Big Three's ability to penetrate and dish out. It's not necessarily about their percentages, but rather it's when they make their shots in crucial moments either to start a run or to quiet the Dallas fans.
Udonis Haslem's tenacious defense and rebounding provide a spark to the team's transition offense and overall toughness on defense.
But don't get me wrong: The Big Three have been a major part of the team's success. James, Wade and Bosh all have the ability to get to the rim and take over a game at will. They have dominating physical presences as well. I mean, come on—how can you look into the eyes of Chris Bosh and not be a little intimidated?
The Mavericks at Home
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Dirk Nowitzki's ability to draw double and triple-teams routinely leaves sharp shooters (Jason Terry and DeShawn Stevenson) open for three. Shawn Marion has the athleticism to guard LeBron, and Tyson Chandler's shot-blocking skills make it a little tougher for the Heat to penetrate.
Dallas' arena is always rowdy and hectic. They go crazy after each basket scored, making the Heat nervous. The crowd sparks the Mavs' success, and they gain confidence from their audience.
Game 5 is either team's game, but it seems as though the Heat's ability to keep the games close even when their players are having off-days will help them to a 3-2 advantage.
