Miami Heat Edge Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals

The Miami Heat's 'Big 3' held their own and led the Heat to an 88-86 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.  With the win, the Heat now have a 2-1 series lead over the Mavs.

The Mavericks avoided a slow start as they got out to a 14-9 lead during the first five minutes of the game. Chris Bosh, at the four minute mark of the first period, scored on two consecutive possessions, including a 3-point play, to tie the game at 18.  Bosh scored 18 points, with 3 rebounds in Miami's win. The first period ended with an 11-4 Miami run and the score 29-22 Miami.

The second period was more of the same as Miami kept their lead for the whole period.  However, Dallas went on a 11-2 run during the last 2:50 of the half to cut Miami's lead to  a 47-42 halftime lead.

Dallas eventually caught up to Miami in the fourth period, tying the game at 72 with 9:41 left.  Then, after exchanging some baskets, Miami extended their lead to six with two consecutive 3-pointers from Dwyane Wade to make the score 84-78 with 4:31 left. Wade led the Heat with 29 points and 11 rebounds.

Dirk Nowitzki single-handedly continued the fight for the Mavs by scoring 8 consecutive points to tie the game again at 86 with 1:39 left.

Two Heat possessions later, Chris Bosh drained an 18-foot jumper to give Miami an 88-86 lead.

A low point for Dallas was losing the turnover battle 14-10. Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki combined for half of the Mavericks' turnovers, including a costly turnover on the second-to-last possession in the game by Nowitzki.