With their series now tied with the Heat 2-2 behind another spirited comeback, the Mavericks have a legit shot to win that elusive NBA championship

JORDAN WAGNER

The Mavericks showed last night that they don’t need to match the Heat’s energy to win a game; they just need a short spurt of it.

In case you missed the first 90 seconds of  game  4 last night, allow this writer to recap; Dirk, Dirk and more Dirk. Nowitzki started 3 for 3 from the field with the first 6 point of the game, even though he was fighting a 102 degree fever. What happened next?

Ummm…not too much…

At least for the veteran Mavs squad. Miami was having fun throwing down dunks and rejecting shots. It seemed as though Dallas was just so happy by that first 90 seconds of the game that nothing else mattered. Of course, the 4th quarter in every Dallas game has proven to be the action blockbuster Hollywood could market.  Jason “The Jet” Terry got fired up, leaving Mark Jackson (recently named Warriors coach) to make the great reference, “Let sleeping guards lie.”

If there is one guard you don’t want to get ticked this series, it’s Terry. While 17 points isn’t anything phenomenal, consider that The Jet hit two clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter with the game on the line (and arguably Dallas’ season as well) to put the Mavs up by 3. The former Arizona Wildcat and Sixth Man of the Year still has something left in the tank.  All he needs is a little zip.

Speaking of zip, an ailing Dirk zipped right on by Haslam with an astounding layup to put Dallas up 84-81 with 14.4 seconds left.  The clutch basket came after he went ice-cold from the field (1-11, after a 3-3 start).

I recall writhing in agony over the missed open shots on the part of Dallas (and they missed plenty in game 4), yet once again they proved that all they need is a little spark in the 4th to make a comeback.

I think LeBron James might need a little zip, too. Eight points? Maybe he’s just saving it for next game. That is what Miami seems to do a lot; save it for next game. The only question is, since the next game is still in Dallas, is this the turning point?  Dwyane Wade is playing his heart out, but he still couldn’t pull off the win. What does this mean for Miami? Is the talent of James, Wade and Chris Bosh not enough to beat some old geezers?

Little side note: Jason Kidd had 0 points last night. Now, I know he is an assist machine, not a scorer, but still! You wanna take a 3 there, buddy? I’ve seen you make them; I know you can do it. Get some zip, buddy.

Photo: Getty

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