The Dallas Mavericks have a 3-2 NBA finals lead following the 112-103 win on Thursday night. Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points, including the go-ahead dunk with 2:45 remaining.
LeBron James responded to the criticism of his Game 5 8-point performance with a triple double. He finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. After a first-quarter collision, Dwayne Wade played through a sore left hip for 23 points and eight assists. Chris Bosh had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Miami’s Big Three did their part, but it wasn’t enough.
Dallas shot 60% from the field through three quarters and outscored the Heat 17-4 in the final 4:23. Miami once again failed to close out the game in this series. The Mavericks shot 13 of 19 from 3-point range and got good production from Jason Terry and J.J. Barea. Terry arguably had his best career NBA postseason performance with 21 points and six assists. Barea added 17 points. Jason Kidd had 13 points and Tyson Chandler added 13 points and seven rebounds.
James responded well in Game 5 but Dallas had the same sense of urgency. Dallas was up 2-0 on the Heat in the 2006 NBA finals, but Miami won the next four games. In 26 NBA finals that have been tied 2-2, the Game 5 winner has won 19 of them.
Wade and James struggled with their shot. They combined for two of 12 from beyond 15 feet, a playoff low. Game 6 is Sunday in Miami.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat Game 6 Odds (provided by Ladbrokes)
Mavericks: 11/5
Heat: 2/5
Point Spread: Heat -5
Over/Under: 186.5
NBA Championship Odds (provided by Ladbrokes)
Miami Heat: 20/23
Dallas Mavericks: 20/21