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| (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) |
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs came back from a 15-point deficit Friday to even the series against the Heat. The Mavericks now head home for Games 3, 4, and 5 with an opportunity to finish the series before the teams can return to Miami. But Dwyane Wade and company want to show that the Mavs' comeback was merely a fluke.
Pre-game quote: Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle on Game 2 as told to Art Garcia of ESPN Dallas:
"Game 2 is over," Carlisle said. "Game 2 has been over for a couple of days, so we've got to wash that out and understand that we're going to have to play a great game in our own building. We've got to understand how hard they're going to come at us and we're going to have to be ready."
Useless stat: Miami has one win in three post-season games at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. That win, though, happens to be the series clincher in 2006.
Probable Starters:
DAL: C Tyson Chandler, PF Dirk Nowitzki, SF Shawn Marion, SG DeShawn Steveson, PG Jason Kidd
MIA: C Joel Anthony, PF Chris Bosh, SF LeBron James, SG Dwyane Wade, PG Mike Bibby
Player to Watch: Udonis Haslem, PF, MIA
The combination of Joel Anthony and Erick Dampier cannot compete with Dallas' Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood. In Miami's Game 1 victory, though, the Heat were able to out-rebound the Mavs thanks to Wade (10), Bosh (9), and James (9). Haslem can take some of the pressure off the starting five.
Prediction: Miami
Hate the Heat as much as you want, but I cannot see them losing after blowing Game 2 in the final minutes. Adrenaline and momentum will be on Dallas' side, but the Heat will be a team possessed tonight. Prove me wrong, Carlisle. Prove me wrong.
- Jeff Laboon
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