Steve Svekis
Sun Sentinel
It's a best-of-three series now, and the Heat own home-court advantage. With that being the case, Dwyane Wade will take home his second championship and Finals MVP trophies.
Despite LeBron James' putrid offensive production down the stretch during this series (2.3 points per fourth quarter), the Heat still have been in position to win each game. If James remains in hibernation, there is a chance the Heat could drop another game at home, and Dirk Nowitzki could get revenge for his 2006 failings against the Heat.
Still, that scenario is highly improbable. It took the miracle of all NBA Finals miracles for the Mavericks to take Game 2 in Miami. It's hard to imagine them winning again in South Florida.
ssvekis@tribune.com
No tears in Miami
Fred Mitchell
Chicago Tribune
The Drama Kings (aka the Heat) would not script this NBA Finals any other way.
With the series tied 2-2, LeBron James' superstar rating as a fourth-quarter closer is under review. Underappreciated Chris Bosh also seeks his first championship and Dwyane Wade craves validation for orchestrating last summer's monumental free agent coup.
The Mavericks are gaining momentum from Dirk Nowitzki as a potential Finals MVP. But we all know from the regular season that if the Heat don't win it all, it will be a crying shame.
fmitchell@tribune.com
Mavs will close
Baxter Holmes
Los Angeles Times
This series — and what a series it has been — could've been over Tuesday.
But no, the Heat twice have blown sizeable fourth-quarter leads — home and away, proving that they have home court for two of the last three matters little.
The Mavericks know if they're down, they're not out; the Heat know too. Dirk knows he can close, with 44 fourth-quarter points; LeBron, who has just nine, knows he can't.
Dallas is a ripe squad; Miami isn't. The Mavericks' defense is good and getting better; the Heat lack an answer or any fight — or even a decent coaching counter-move.
For years, the Dallas Cowboys were "America's Team." The Mavericks are now, and the Heat will be soon.
Dallas wins in seven.
bholmes@tribune.com
Heat will bring it home
Josh Robbins
Orlando Sentinel
We're watching one of the most exciting NBA Finals series in recent memory. But we won't see of the biggest upsets.
The Heat still will beat the Mavericks — even though the Mavericks recorded stirring wins in Games 2 and 4.
Defense wins championships, and even though the Mavs should be commended for their effort, the Heat still have the better defense.
Sure, LeBron James had a disappointing performance Tuesday night, going just 3-for-11 from the field, but he'll recover. Yet he doesn't have to do it all — Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have his back.
Dirk Nowitzki has been superb, but even he has to return to earth eventually.
And don't forget: Game 6 and a potential Game 7 are in Miami.
jbrobbins@tribune.com