Game 5 Of The NBA Finals Tonight

Thus far, the NBA Finals have delivered 4 incredibly competitive games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat. With the series tied 2-2, one team will leave Dallas tonight with a win. Who will it be? Here is more of a preview from the AP and espn.com.

Three straight games have been decided by three points or fewer, the first time that's happened in the championship round since 1948, according to STATS, LLC. The Baltimore Bullets and Philadelphia Warriors played Games 2-4 within a three-point margin during those Basketball Association of America finals, a year before that league merged with the National Basketball League to become the NBA.

And while LeBron James has come under increased scrutiny for his passive play, Dirk Nowitzki is cementing his reputation by overcoming injury and illness to rally the Mavs to victories in two of the last three games.

It's amazing how much the Finals magnify everything. LeBron James was fantastic in the previous three Heat playoff series. However, no stage is bigger than the NBA Finals. And while James light is dim at the moment, Dirk Nowitzki, is currently shining brightest. One game can change the light because one game can swing the series.

The general consensus is that the Mavericks can win another game in Miami, but not two in a row there. While a loss tonight by Miami would put the Heat behind 3-2, I still feel like Dallas needs the victory more.

If Game 5 is anything like the previous 3 games, sports fans will be in for a treat tonight. Tip-off at American Airlines Center is set for 8:00.