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Posted: Tuesday June 6, 2006 12:49PM; Updated: Tuesday June 6, 2006 6:27PM
NBA Finals Breakdown SI.com's Marty Burns breaks down the matchup between Miami and Dallas Center 
Shaquille
O'Nealvs. DeSagana
Diop
For all the talk about Shaq slowing down, he looked almost as dominating as ever against the Pistons. The 7-foot-1 giant averaged 21.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 65.5 percent. For the most part he was able to avoid the foul problems that plagued him early in the playoffs. Shaq also moved his feet much better, especially on defense. It's almost as if he was holding back a little bit earlier in the postseason to conserve his energy. The bad news for Shaq is that he will likely see more double-teams in this round, and more fouls. Whether it's Diop or Erick Dampier, Dallas has two big bodies to use on him. Diop is quicker than Dampier and a better shot-blocker, but Dampier is a better low-post player. Look for Mavs coach Avery Johnson to use them both depending on his needs at any given time. D.J. Mbenga, a 7-footer, also could see action for Dallas once he completes his league-issued suspension for leaving the bench in the Cassandra Johnson incident during the Western finals. Together, the Mavs have 12-18 fouls a night to put on Shaq and send him to the foul line if necessary. In his one game against the Mavs during the regular season, Shaq had a modest 23 points and eight rebounds. Dallas could live with that, especially if Diop and Dampier are able to shut off the lane from Dwyane Wade's penetration.
Shaquille O'NealBill Frakes/SIEdge: Heat Power Forward Udonis
Haslemvs. Dirk
Nowitzki
From leading his team to a Game 7 win at San Antonio in the conference semifinals to his 50-point explosion in Game 5 in the Suns series, Nowitzki has emerged as a legit superstar in these playoffs. Now one step away from a title, he will be looking to carry his team on his shoulders. After being forced to work more in the post against the Suns, the 7-foot German should find plenty of space to operate on the perimeter against Miami. Nowitzki must sink those outside shots because there might not be much room in the paint with Shaq and Alonzo Mourning down there. Either way, look for the Mavs to run a steady diet of pick-and-rolls with Nowitzki as they try to bring the Heat big men out and force mismatches. The 6-11 Haslem won't score much but he is a solid defender and rebounder. He helped limit Nowitzki to a respectable 25.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in the two games against Miami during the season series (though Nowitzki did shoot a sizzling 56.3 percent from the floor). If Haslem can just keep Nowitzki to around those numbers, the Heat will be thrilled. James Posey might also get the call here on occasion to give Nowitzki a different look.
Dirk NowitzkiGreg Nelson/SIEdge: Mavs Small Forward Antoine
Walkervs. Josh
Howard
By now most NBA fans know the following stat: the Mavs are 25-0 this season when Howard scores 20 or more points. It's repeated in almost every TV telecast, and with good reason. The 6-6 Howard is a barometer for the Mavs. When he's slashing to the basket and hitting outside shots, foes can't load up on Nowitzki. In this series Dallas needs Howard to be aggressive and try to take advantage of the slow-footed Walker. At the other end his main focus will be stay out on Walker beyond the 3-point line. Walker, the 6-8 veteran, will get his share of open looks from the double-teams paid to Shaq and Wade, and he must knock them down. But he also must avoid the temptation to settle for too many 3-pointers and try to use his size advantage over Howard in the post and while driving toward the basket. During one game in the season series Walker went 1-for-13 shooting the ball (including 0 for 4 from downtown). He can't afford to shoots brick like that in this series. If Walker's shot isn't falling, or he's not playing defense, Heat coach Pat Riley won't hesitate to turn to Posey. Together, Walker and Posey have the experience and shot-making ability to present problems for the Mavs. But Howard is a rising star who should be able to get the edge if he plays to his all-around ability.
Josh HowardJohn W. McDonough/SIEdge: Mavs Shooting Guard Dwyane
Wadevs. Jason
Terry
Like Nowitzki, Wade has used this year's postseason to burnish his status as one of the game's true superstars. So far he has averaged 26 points, five rebounds and six assists in the playoffs while shooting better than 50 percent. One of the league's most spectacular players, he also can demoralize an opponent with a highlight play or a double-digit scoring binge. Wade can't be stopped, but Dallas has reason to hope it can contain him. In their two head-to-head meetings this season, Wade averaged just 19.5 points on 40.6 percent shooting. However, it should be noted that Shaq did not play in one of the games. Also, it's safe to say that Wade will raise his game when the stakes are higher. Terry will likely be the starter here, though he could also slide back to the point guard if Johnson opts to use Adrian Griffin or Marquis Daniels to defend Wade. Either way, Terry will be critical for the Mavs. The 6-2 veteran was Dallas' second leading scorer during the regular season (17.1 points) and is normally one of the best pure outside shooters in the game. He's also a team leader, and one of the few Mavs not afraid to take big shots. But Terry has not shot well during this postseason (42.6 percent from the floor, and just 30.0 percent from downtown). The Mavs need him to regain his shooting eye soon or they could be in trouble.
Dwyane WadeBob Rosato/SIEdge: Heat
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