This is going to be one entertaining finals. These teams are here because they were the teams executing at the end of games both sides have tremendous come-from-behind wins and both have just simply out executed their opponents in the clutch. Both have seen their best players Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James win games with jump shots.
No lead will feel safe in this series, especially late. That said, both teams benefited from playing teams that helped out with tight play and poor execution under pressure last series. That will not be the case now, one team will need to step up.
One key so far is that Dallas has not played fantastic defense, they’ve been just pretty average through the playoffs. Dallas has won with their offense. Miami’s defense, on the other hand, has been impressive. Their athleticism challenges everything, takes away passing lanes and they have been physical with everyone. This will be a different kind of test because Dallas is a jump shooting team pack it in to take away the paint like the Heat did against the Bulls and the Mavs will shoot and make right over the top, something Chicago failed to do. Either Miami’s defense or the Mavs offense has to give way, and that will be key.
Dallas needs to exploit the point guard play of Mike Bibby or the lack of size inside by the Heat who go with a small lineup having 6’9” Joel Anthony at center to win. The Mavericks need to hit the offensive glass hard, harder than the Bulls did, to get the series win. Rebounding will be another key.
Bench play also will matter Dallas has gotten scoring from everyone it seems, but how will that bench fare against heavy minutes from the big three of the Heat.