Mavericks at Heat
THE STORY: The opening game of the NBA Finals couldn't have gone much worse for the Dallas Mavericks. They dropped a 92-84 decision to the Heat in Game 1 and will now have to deal with an injury to their star player as they prepare for Game 2 Thursday night in Miami.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE HEAT: While Game 1 featured strong play from Miami's Big Three, it was actually a series of big 3s that led the Heat to victory. With the game still in doubt entering the fourth, Mike Miller hit a 3-pointer early in the quarter to give the Heat a five-point edge. Wade knocked down a 3 to quell a Dallas rally with 3:05 remaining, and LeBron James converted a three-point play on Miami's next possession to put the game away. James, Wade and Chris Bosh were especially dominant on the glass, where they pulled down 28 of the Heat's 46 rebounds on the night. Bosh had five offensive boards, just one fewer than the entire Mavericks roster.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Dallas' quest to win its first NBA title took a hit when star forward Dirk Nowitzki suffered a torn tendon in the middle finger of his non-shooting hand. All parties downplayed the significance of the injury, but Nowitzki will have to wear a splint for the rest of the series and may find defending or setting up shots more difficult. The Mavericks may have more pressing concerns; specifically, how to avoid a repeat of their dismal effort in Game 1. Dallas shot a playoff-low 37 percent from the field and allowed the Heat to win the rebounding battle by ten. The Mavericks bench was a major liability, shooting just 4 for 22 from the field.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: James was efficient in Game 1, making 9 of 16 shots from the field - including four of five long-range attempts. Mavericks G J.J. Barea, a major part of the Mavericks' success against Oklahoma City in the conference final, shot just 1 for 8 Tuesday.
KEY STATISTIC: 11 - The number of 3-pointers the Heat made in Tuesday's win. That was the most allowed by the Mavericks all postseason. They come into Game 2 averaging fewer than five 3s against for the playoffs.
LAST WORD: "I have to wear a splint probably for the rest of the playoffs, for a couple of weeks. But it will be all right." - Nowitzki on his finger injury.