The NBA Finals are only one game into this series but already things are leaning heavily towards the Miami Heat. The Dallas Mavericks managed to keep things close enough on the scoreboard but the slower tempo and rebounding deficiencies don't bode well. LeBron James has proven to be the best closer in the 2011 NBA Playoffs and he's surrounded by a higher class of talent than Dirk Nowitzki.
Dallas fans over at Mavs Moneyball remain optimistic however, as they see the Mavericks bench coming through and hitting shots that were open, but missed in Game 1. "There are devastating losses, and then there are palatable ones. I believe that Tuesday's loss to the Heat in game one falls into the latter category for multiple reasons."
Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks tips off in Miami at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on TV on ABC.
Here's the full schedule for the series.
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 01: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots during NBA Finals Media Availability on June 1, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)