Game 4 of the NBA Finals was another thrilling game between two evenly-matched teams.  It was also a game that saw a clear difference in the play between each team’s respective superstars.  The Mavericks pulled another close one out 86-83 on Tuesday night, and there are so many things to talk about, that it’s best to just get right to it.

First, Dirk.  Obviously, his effort last night in the condition he was in is one that should go down in Finals lore.  He admitted that it wasn’t as good as Michael Jordan’s “flu game,” but who is really going to match that?  What Dirk did under duress was just as significant, battling through a poor performance (by his standards) to break through in the final minutes and lead his team to the series-tying victory.  To play like he did with the flu is remarkable, and a testament to his ability and his rightful place as one of the best in the NBA, and possibly all-time.  He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, which is a stellar performance, and what you would expect of that type of player in his situation.

The rest of the Mavs held up their end of the bargain as well, which was crucial for the Mavs to win.  Jason Terry scored 17, Shawn Marion had 16, and Tyson Chandler had 13 with 16 boards; huge numbers from the supporting cast, and numbers that must appear again in Game 5.  Jason Terry, still struggling from three-point land, needs to keep shooting.  The shots will fall, and when they do the Mavs may even get some breathing room.

Second, the Heat.  The other side of the Game 4 coin was LeBron James’s disappearing act.  James only had eight points – none in the fourth quarter.  He repeatedly stood lackadaisically around the perimeter throughout the fourth, letting Wade take over the scoring duties.  It is the type of effort that constantly will dog James throughout his career, as he has shrunk in big moments before.  It is up to him to turn the negative perception around, and I would highly anticipate a fueled and vengeful James in Game 5. 

But like the Mavs, the Heat isn’t too far off, either.  Despite everything, they lost by three, and blew another commanding lead in the fourth.  They have shown a tendency and an ability to exert their will over the Mavs for stretches of time.  If they had been able to continue, they’d have won already. 

And so it truly is either team’s series to win – and lose.  Although by now, the trends of the first four games most likely will continue, so it will be up to the supporting casts to decide the series.  A big game by Chris Bosh could be the difference.  But an outbreak of pretty much anything by Peja Stojakovich would also make a difference.  You get the feeling that if Jason Terry hits any amount of threes, that the momentum shifts to Dallas.  The games have been so close, that just a few makes by Terry would be huge.  Similarly, Dirk only scored 21 last night.  If he gets a couple more baskets, the Mavs win by a bigger margin.

I expect that to happen in Game 5, but I also expect James to rebound.  It may end up being a case of just letting James go nuts, and trying to minimize any damage from Wade and Bosh.  Dirk will also have a better game since he’ll be healthier, and I think Terry’s threes finally fall.  Good shooters like him can’t be kept down for long.  The game is absolutely must-win for Dallas, who won’t win twice in Miami.  Look for their best effort and a win by about 6.