Wade puts team on his back in Game 3

After a demoralizing loss in the final quarter to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2, the Miami Heat was able to regain the series lead after edging out a victory in Game 3. As the series progresses, it is becoming more palpable who the most experienced player in the 2011 NBA Finals is: Dwyane Wade. The 2006 Finals MVP has always been an intricate part of this explosive Heat offense and aggressive defense, but due to the media’s exposure of the “Batman” of the team, Lebron James, Wade has been titled as the trusty sidekick Robin. In this series, it seems if the two have had a role reversal.
Ever since sparking a fuse late in their Game 1 victory, Wade has been torching and manhandling the Dallas defense. The scariest thing about it is that a large majority of his points are coming inside the paint, some of them uncontested at that. Layups, dunks, and mid-range shots for Wade will only give him momentum to knock down outside shots which puts the defense more at risk and on their heels. I’m not sure if Wade had an epiphany or so, but if he keeps up this play, it will only lower Dallas’ chances of winning the Finals.
With Wade riding his hot streak, it gives James a chance to play a different, but very comfortable role as a facilitator. It seems to be dismissed that James is completely fine with sharing the ball rather than light up opposing teams in the point’s column. All he wanted was some help and he has more than enough of this in South Beach. With James taking fewer shots, it may actually hurt the Mavs more. Despite how dominant of a force LBJ may be on offense, he is just as effective on the other side. As James focuses less on offense, it gives him an opportunity to put more effort on the other side of the ball which is catalyst to a lot of Miami’s offensive production. James additionally has improved his outside shooting tremendously which gives Wade another option to kick out to while driving. James is also scary slasher, so I don’t think Dallas needs him to get a full head of steam driving to the rack. Just ask Ian Mahinmi, who will probably become more popular after being slammed on by James. Hey, take it with a grain a salt; it even happens to the best.
While on the topic of perimeter shooting, credit should be awarded to Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers. Both of them can be very beneficial to this offense when stroking from long-range. Their shooting can keep the Dallas defense honest as well as open up lanes for Wade or James to penetrate.
Though Miami may lead the series, they only took back home court advantage after the late debacle in Game 2. This series is just getting started and I’m sure each team has much more amazement in store for viewers.
Keep an eye out for how well Shawn Marion and Jason Terry play in Game 4. It’s obvious that Dirk Nowitzki needs help. I don’t know where it will come from, but this team needs to figure out soon because Miami knows that Dirk can’t do it by himself. There’s a problem when your bench is outscoring your starters minus Dirk.