Mavs lose Game 3

Dirk Nowitzki’s last shot hung in the air while a packed American Airlines Center collectively held their breath.  As the shot bounced off the rim and was batted away at the buzzer, the air went out of the crowd and possible out of the Mavericks hopes for a title.  Since the NBA went to a 2-3-2 format for the NBA Finals in 1985, no team has ever won who lost game 3 after entering it tied at 1-1.  Dallas will have to win 3 of the remaining 4 games against Miami to claim the Championship.

Dallas trailed most of the game, each time fighting back to a tie before time ultimately ran out.  Nowitzki scored 34 points, the most of all players, and grabbed 11 rebounds, but it was not enough against the Heat’s potent trio of LeBron James, DWyane Wade and Chris Bosh.  Wade had the hot hand for Miami, as he scored 29 points and 11 rebounds.  James scored 17 points, but had 9 assists, 4 in the final quarter.  Perhaps James’ biggest contribution was on defense, where he shut down Jason Terry.  None of Terry’s 15 points came in the 4th quarter.

The only other Maverick in double figures was Shawn Marion with 10 points.  Tyson Chandler grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Mavericks will have to find a way to help Nowitzki.  Dirk scored the final 12 Dallas points, 15 total in the 4th quarter.  Without help, Nowitzki will end up with great numbers, but no ring.

Dallas will try to even the series Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center.

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