Game 4 preview

After the disappointing Game 3 loss the Mavericks will have to secure a win in Game 4 to give them any reasonable shot at winning the series. After the Maverick's stuning Game 2comeback to take home court advantage in the series they gave it right back after coming up short in Game 3.

Dallas has had a couple issues through the series to this point. The largest issue seems to be keeping Dwayne Wade out of the paint. Jason Kidd has taken on the responsibility of guarding Wade but the Mavericks will have to do a better job with help defense on Wade to discourage him from using his size and speed advantage to dominate Kidd.

Dirk Nowitzki also will need more help clsoing games in the fourth quarter specifically from Jason Terry who has struggled down the stretch in this series. A significant reason for this has been the Heat's decision to have Lebron James guard Jason Terry which has made Jason Terry a non factor in crunch time. As seen at the end of game three despite Nowitzki's greatness he can not hit the game winner every game.

For the Heat the one aspect of their game they must improve on to finish off the Mavericks is keeping their energy level up for the entire 48 minutes. Games 2 and 3 both featured big Mavericks comebacks after the Heat appeared to have the game in their hands. In order to prevent this from happening in game four the Heat need to keep the ball moving on offense and fight through the Mavericks screens to prevent the open three pointers.

With the series hanging in the balance Game 4 is a make or break game for the Mavericks and it could pave the way to a championship for the Heat.