LeBron James recorded a triple double, scoring 17 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists, but the Miami Heat were bested by the Dallas Mavericks, 112-103, in Game 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals on Thursday night at American Airlines Center in Texas.
Dallas, which now leads the series 3-2, will have two chances to close out the Heat and clinch their first ever NBA championship, but both will be in South Beach. Miami hosts Dallas in Games 6 and 7, with Game 6 taking place on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
Dirk Nowitzki paced the Mavericks' attack, scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds. Jason Terry was extremely productive off the bench, scoring 21 points and dishing out six assists. Jose Juan Barea finished with 17 points and both Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd added 13 points for Dallas.
The Mavericks shot 56.4 percent (39-for-69) from the floor and finished with 26 rebounds, 23 assists, eight steals, three blocks and 11 turnovers.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat, totaling 23 points and eight assists. Chris Bosh had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Mario Chalmers had 15 points and four rebounds and Udonis Haslem added 10 points for Miami.
The Heat shot 52.9 percent (37-for-70) from the field and had 36 rebounds, 25 assists, five steals, four blocks and 16 turnovers in the losing effort.
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