In many ways, the Mavericks surprising loss to the Miami Heat (most national experts had the Mavs winning in 6) had less to do with Miami and more to do with Dallas. Here’s why Dallas lost:

• Game 3 trauma – The Mavs squandered a 13 point lead late in the game that would have effectively ended the Heat’s season. Dallas never seemed the same afterward, coughing up Game 5 in similar fashion and never regaining the swagger that helped them dominate the first two games.
• Crunch time play – Throughout the playoffs Dallas was 1-6 in games decided by 3 points or less. This is unacceptable for a championship team.
• No killer instinct – Unlike Miami, who smelled blood and pounced, Dallas allowed Miami’s mistakes to go unpunished. Take last night, for example. The Heat shot 2-for-18 on 3-ponters, missed 14 fouls shots, and had 19 turnovers. Who would’ve predicted that a road team could win a game with that type of performance?
• Dirk Nowitzki’s 4th quarter disappearing act – Although he finished with typically strong numbers (29 points and 15 rebounds), Dirk Diggler failed to demand the ball and deliver when his team needed him the most. This is the difference between a star and superstar.