When the Mavericks staged an improbable rally for a 95-93 win at Miami on Thursday, they evened the series at one game apiece to set up a pivotal Game 3. Dallas is a 2.5-point home favorite for Game 3 Sunday.
Since the NBA installed the 2-3-2 format for the Finals in 1985, the conference champions have previously split the first two games 11 times. In every one of those situations, the team that won Game 3 has gone on to win the series, most recently in last year's Finals.
In 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers won the opener at home but lost Game 2 to the Boston Celtics. They bounced back to win Game 3 in Boston and went on to win the series in seven games.
When the Mavericks and Heat met in the 2006 Finals, Dallas won the first two games at home before Miami won the next four to claim the title.
Bookmaker.com has Miami priced at -159 to win the NBA title while Dallas is set at +115 heading into Game 3 Sunday.
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