The Dallas Mavericks have answered the prayers of every true Cavaliers’ fan and defeated the Miami Heat in Game Six of the NBA Finals to deny LeBron James of a title yet again.
Dallas led by only two at the half at 53-51 but outscored Miami in the third quarter by seven to lead 81-72 going to the fourth, then held their own down the stretch to bring the Mavs their first NBA title.
And LeBron? He did put up 21 points tonight, but missed three-of-four free throws to help Dallas’s cause. James led five Heat in double figures, but that was trumped by Jason Terry with 27 off the bench for Dallas, to go along with Dirk Nowitzki with 21.
One thing that stands out immediately in the box score is that Miami shot 15 more free throws — but made only eight more, missing 13 of 33.
Obviously a lot more will be said about this game, but for now, Cleveland fans can exult at some vindication for being abandoned by James last year in a seedy ESPN special.
For full commentary and coverage of what is being said and opined, check out SB Nation's complete coverage of the Finals and its aftermath.
Go Mavericks!