2011 NBA Finals: Mavs Start JJ Barea and Win Game 4, Enough Said.

By Sharmaine Jones

The 2011 NBA Finals featuring the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat is tied 2-2, and with the margin of victory in the series averaging less than 4 points, the roller coaster games are spectacular!

The Heat took game 1 (84-92), Dallas pulled off an amazing comeback in the fourth quarter to win game 2 (95-93) then Miami bounced back to win game 3 (88-86). In a series in which home court isn't proving to be an advantage, Dallas made an adjustment in game 4 to gain an edge.

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle replaced DeShawn Stevenson with "playoff pest" JJ Barea in the starting lineup. This was a smart move because Barea was the perfect catalyst to jump-start their offense.

Barea's novia, the beautiful former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, tweeted her excitement before the game:

"@boricuatwit @Mavspr @_shalimar @susanalachama #LETSGOMAVS Lista para ver a JJ ganar!!! Esssooo!!! R u ready guys??? XD”

The pint sized point guard didn't put up huge numbers in the statistical category (8 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds) but his speed and quickness broke down Miami's defense in the 3rd quarter. Barea's drives to the basket forced the defense to collapse turning his missed layups into easy buckets for Tyson Chandler (13 points, 16 rebounds) and Shawn Marion (16 points, 4 rebounds). Chandler and Marion's ability to get going was a huge relief for Dirk Nowitzki (21 points, 11 rebounds) who, according to espn.com, was battling a 101-degree fever.

Down the stretch, the Mavs were able to withstand a scorching hot Dwyane Wade (32 points) and Chris Bosh (24 points) to win game 4, 83-86.

Despite what seemed like thousands of lead changes, Rivera never doubted the Mavs would pull through:

“Se los dije, que esta noche era nuestrrraaaaaaa!!! XD XD XD XD XD”

Game 5 will be held Thursday, June, 9 at 9PM ET.

Do you think JJ Barea should stay in the starting lineup?

Tags basketball, Blogger: Sharmaine Jones, Chris Bosh, Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, J.J. Barea, Miami Heat, NBA Finals, Zuleyka Rivera