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Must-win for Miami in Game 3

by David Pincus
2006-06-13

Leading up to the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat looked very impressive they had just won eight of eleven from both the Pistons and Nets, teams that won the season-series the Heat. But since reaching the Mavs, Miami looks as human as they were in the regular season.

This series is not over. Last year the Spurs, who had home-court advantage, went up 2-0 and that wound up being a 7-game series. The Pistons fell 3-2 to Cleveland after winning the first two games at home. So far Dallas has done just what they're supposed to do, now it's Miami's turn.

Truthfully Miami has to change a lot for this to be recognized as a series again. They can only go as far as Shaq and Wade takes them, so Shaq only getting off 5 shots in Game 2 is inexcusable. When both are shooting at their regular high percentage, the blocks fall in place for everyone else to chip in. The Heat will need 45-50 from their duo if they want to win.

Dallas just has to continue what they've been doing. The trio of Terry, Howard and Nowitzki will need to combine for about 60 (more or less depending on how everyone else does). Dampier and Diop don't necessarily need gaudy numbers, but they need to contribute on the boards. Shaq and Wade are too good to be given second chances at scoring.

The Mavericks have showed poise throughout the postseason, and now they'll be tested again. In the back of their heads, they know that even in the worst-case scenario where they'd lose the next three in Miami, they'd still have home court advantage. Are they going to give it their best knowing that they really only need one win in Miami to clinch the series?

Shaq will surely be ready to play. If career lows and Finals losses don't spur him on to play excellent then nothing will. Miami will play better and shoot a higher percentage at home, and Dallas may be unfamiliar playing on the road at these stakes. The cards show Miami should win tonight, but a loss will almost guarantee a sweep.