From ESPN.com
What it means: The heavily favored Heat increased their odds of winning the franchise’s second title. The winner of Game 1 has won the Finals 73.4 percent of the time, including 10 of the last 12 seasons.
Play of the game: The dagger came on a vicious dunk by James. He crossed over Shawn Marion on the left wing to get in the lane and soared for a tomahawk slam despite being fouled. Mavs big man Tyson Chandler didn’t even try to challenge James at the rim, stepping out of the way after LeBron took off.
Stat of the night: The Heat has won each of their first nine home games in these playoffs, allowing fewer than 95 points in each game. According to Elias Sports Bureau, only three other teams in NBA history won at least their first nine home postseason games while allowing fewer than 95 points in each game: Chicago in 1996 (first 10), the Lakers in 2004 (nine) and Boston in 2008 (nine).
UP NEXT:
Game 2 — Thu June 2, Dallas at Miami 7 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
Game 3 — Sun June 5, Miami at Dallas 7 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
Game 4 — Tue June 7, Miami at Dallas 8 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
Game 5* — Thu June 9, Miami at Dallas 8 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
Game 6* — Sun June 12, Dallas at Miami 7 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
Game 7* — Tue June 14, Dallas at Miami 8 p.m. CDT, ABC WFAA-TV, Ch. 8
