The Miami Heat stopped a late surge by Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 to take a 2-1 NBA Finals lead. Chris Bosh made a 16-foot jumper from the baseline with 39.6 seconds left to give the Heat an 88-86 win.
It’s been a close series as the three games have been decided by a total of 12 points. After Dallas’ impressive comeback in Game 2 in Miami, the Heat now control home court advantage in the series. The Game 3 winner in a split finals has won the NBA championship 11 times since 1985. Miami has a chance to repeat 2006’s success and close it out on the Mavericks’ floor with the next two games in Dallas.
There is no cause for celebration yet since Miami blew a 15-point lead to end Game 2 and nearly lost again with a 14-point blown lead. The Heat led 81-74 with 6:31 left, but Nowitzki scored 12 straight points and tied it at 86. He finished with 15 in the fourth quarter, while the rest of the team combined for only seven points. Nowitzki finished with 34 points and 11 rebounds. Jason Kid had nine points and 10 assists but no one else stepped up for the Mavericks.
Dwayne Wade and Bosh each scored seven points in the fourth quarter. Wade finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Bosh added 18 points. LeBron James had 17 points and nine assists. Miami is continuing to get to the rim. Wade and James are the only two players from this year’s NBA playoffs to make at least 70 field goals within five feet of the basket. Miami outscored Dallas 40-22 in the paint and had 19 points off 14 Dallas turnovers.
Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 4 Odds (provided by Eurobet)
Heat: 6/5
Mavericks: 4/6
Point Spread: Mavericks -3
Over/Under: 186.5