Whitewashed

Well, well, well.

There are a lot of people who never thought they would see this day. They were writing off the Heat, saying this eastern power was no match for the juggernaut from the west in Dallas.

Yet, the Finals is now tied, 2-2 and it becomes a race to win 2 out of the next 3 games. Suddenly, the Heat look more likely to pull of such a feat, with Dallas looking like the joke.

24 point differential in scoring in the 4th game of the Finals. Only 7 points scored for the Mavericks in the 4th quarter, a new record for the Finals for fewest points scored in a quarter, while the Heat poured on the rout.

The Mavs showed life in the third quarter, scoring 23 points while the Heat scored 24. Even ending the quarter on an 8-0 run, but there were several questionable calls that gave life to the Mavericks.

Even these calls, including not hitting Stack with a flagrant and ejection, could not stop the Heat. The Heat showed their depth, going deeper into the rotation then ever before in this series bringin Shandon Anderson into the game. All Mr. Anderson did was get 2 points (on a back door cut for a layup) and 5 rebounds: at least according to the box score. He outhustled everyone on the floor, getting to key loose balls and playing strong, pesky defense.

Alonzo Mourning arrived in this game, too. Several key, poster-worthy blocks that changed the face of this game and built up the Heat's momentum. And it was crucial, Shaq drew two early fouls and only played 4 minutes in the first quarter. The best backup center in the entire NBA answered the call.

There was also James Posey, who grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 15 points. Posey, as usual, took on the tough perimeter defensive assignments and was very effective against Howard, Terry, and Nowitzki.

Let's talk about Hasselhoff's biggest fan. He had an awful night shooting 2-14 on the night, and getting most of his points from the FT line (11-13). Dirk also landed on Shaq's foot on a three point attempt, twisting his ankle. But even that could not be used as an excuse, as he was blanketed by the Heat defense for most of the night - forcing Dirk to shoot off rythmn.

This series is far from over. The Heat put on a dominating performance from start to finish. There was a few hiccups along the way, mostly due to some questionable officiating which bordered on laughable. Still, there will be some fallout from this game - Stackhouse could face a suspension for his blantant hack on Shaq, which brought the Big Fella out of the air and crashing into the front row. And Dirk's ankle. And the Mavericks' collective psyche - which is smarting from the Game 3 shocker still.

The Heat outrebounded the Mavericks, outshot the Mavericks and amassed more turnovers than their opponents but managed to win. Not bad for a team that was given no chance in this series.

In fact, several things were witnessed we didn't expect: Shaq getting knocked down by Stackhouse and shaking it off without an incident. Oh yeah, Jason Kapono and Michael Doleac logging minutes in the 4th quarter of the NBA Finals.

And a 2-2 tie as the Heat hold serve on their home court. Still, 2 more to go.