None of you are idiots – you know that this is a must-win for Dallas.
So what can Dallas do, tonight, in order to extend the series?
1) It’s time for one of those game from Dirk.
Maybe he won’t have 48 points on three missed shots again to finish the game with an impossible 16 PPM, but if Dallas is going to win tonight, Dirk needs to have one of those MVP-type performances that legends are made of.
It’s just a hunch, but I have a feeling that Dirk is pretty livid for missing that easy (for him) fallaway at the end of Game 3. He’s probably laughing to himself every time someone talks about the “great defense” that Haslem played on him for the final play.
Expect Dirk to have something like 36 and 12, with several huge shots down the stretch.
2) It’s time for Dirk’s teammates to step up.
Ok but really.
There is no way that Dallas’ sharp shooters can keep hoisting up brick after wide open brick. I’m not sure that Dallas can still win the series, but the Mavericks players not named Dirk have to show up for at least one game.
Game 4 is the time.
The crowd will be tremendous, Dirk will get going, and I have a feeling that Coach Carlisle may switch something up, 2004 Indy/Detroit style.
Terry and Peja won’t go 15 for 16, but for one game at least, they will finally give the Mavericks the lift they need.
3) It’s time for someone to send a message.
I bet you a dollar that someone punishes Wade early on. I think the Mavericks will take the ball out of Flash’s hands as much as possible tonight. They will be playing full-fledged “let anyone but him beat us tonight” mode.
Expect to see much more of the Mavericks’ zone (which they have really kept under wraps so far this series) and a frustrated Dwyane Wade throughout the night.
As long as LeBron doesn’t go off tonight (and let’s be honest, you can never really rule this out), the Mavericks will win Game 4, thus setting up the most compelling Game 5 in recent memory.
Prediction: Mavericks win, tie series at 2-2
About Jon Washburn
