The Miami Heat pulled out an 88-86 victory in Dallas in Game 3 to take a 2-1 advantage over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals. Word is that Dirk Nowitzki, among others, has already referred to Game 4 as a "must win game". Here are some keys on both sides to pulling out a Game 4 victory.
Miami Heat
Dallas Mavericks
Miami Heat
- Feed Wade the ball
- Keep Haslem out of foul trouble
- Continue to put James on Terry and Haslem on Nowitzki down the stretch
- Continue forcing turnovers and scoring points off turnovers and aim to take the Dallas crowd out of the game
- Do not let Barea or Stojakovic catch fire - neither has done so yet in this series
Dallas Mavericks
- Make minor lineup changes - as of a couple hours before gametime, it appears that Barea will be starting at guard in place of Stevenson
- Consider Brewer or Cardinal as a change of pace substitute - especially if Stojakovic struggles or Haslem dominates the paint
- Get Terry the ball at the middle of the court/wings as opposed to the corners
- Utilize Kidd's consistent spot-up shooting and passing ability, giving Terry, Stevenson, Barea, Stojakovic, Nowitzki, and Marion open jump shot or clean inside looks on cuts from Kidd passing from the wing
- Make Bosh dominate the ball and convince him to take midrange jumpers off the dribble
- Send a blind side defender on James when he drives to the hoop
- Consider having Stevenson covering James more with Marion on Wade and Haslem in certain situations down the stretch