So game 5 was really quite similar to games 1 through 4. Both teams made plays, both teams made mistakes. The Heat took a fourth quarter lead, only to let the Mavericks make another comeback.
Miami went on a 16 to 5 run in the 4th quarter to give them a 4 point lead with 5 minutes to play. They looked like they were on their way to victory. And then just like in the previous 4 games they allowed Dallas to make a run of their own. Dallas finished the game on a 17 to 4 run to win the game by 8 points.
In the final 10 possessions Miami turned the ball over 3 times. While only going 1 of 6 from the field in that same time frame. The Mavericks on the other hand were making their shots down the stretch going 4 of 6 from the field. Dallas also made each of their last 3 point shots. Three pointers were key for Dallas in game 5. They made 13 of 19 3 balls.
Dallas's star stepped up again. Nowitzki had 29 points in game 5. Dallas's support players came up big in game 5 as well. Jason Terry had 21 points, J.J. Barea added 17 points, and even Jason Kidd punched in 13 points.
Just a little side note here: Jason Terry has outscored Lebron James 16 to 2 in the 4th quarters of games 4 and 5. Hmmm
Speaking of James, he did finish with a triple double. He had 17 points 10 rebounds and 10 assists. But James was nowhere to be found in the 4th quarter. The only basket he had in the 4th was a "gimme" basket because Dallas was trying to kill some time off the clock. Is Lebron not showing up in the 4th quarters of games really that big of a surprise to everyone? Look back at his career so far. He hasn't made any real clutch shots, he hasn't dominated any real important games up to this point. This isn't the first time we have heard these criticisms of James. Anyone remember the Boston game just before he left Cleveland? Right this is James.
So with Dwayne Wade injured and off the court for some time, Miami had no one to take control of the game. Wade just wasn't the same after he returned to the court. Even worse for Miami was that when all 3 of the stars where on the floor Miami was outscored by 14 points.
Even if Miami comes back and wins this series in 7 games, what does this say about how the "Big 3" play together? There are still a lot of things for Miami to figure out there.
One thing is for sure, we are going back to Miami on Sunday. Whether Dallas or Miami wins the championship in 6 or 7 games is still to be determined.
What do you think of this series? Who do you like to win the series? What about James's play lately?
Tell us what you think. Agree or disagree at least we know what the PEOPLE think. L2
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