In a battle consisting of one of the league’s top defenses (Miami) versus one of the league’s best offenses (Dallas), the Heat’s ballhawking ways led to victory with a 92-84 victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Neither team shot the basketball well as the Heat only shot 39 percent, their second-worst of this year’s playoffs. Â However, the Mavericks’ offense never got it going as they shot an abysmal 37 percent, their worst this postseason by far.
Part of the problem was the extreme athleticism of Miami’s “Big Three,” LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Â The star-studded trio challenged shots, pressured shooters and switched through screens seemlessly. Â However, the Mavs also missed a fair share of wide open looks, particularly in the first half.
James led the Heat with 24 points and nine rebounds, Wade followed with 22 points and 10 rebounds and Bosh added 19 points and nine rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers with 27 points, including 12-12 from the free throw line, but suffered a torn ligament in the middle finger of his left (non-shooting) hand. Â His is not expected to miss any time due to the injury.
Game 2 will take place Thursday night in Miami.
