The Dallas Mavericks managed to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals over the Miami Heat, despite having Dirk Nowitzki at less than 100%. Nowitzki has a torn tendon in his left middle finger that he suffered in the Game 1 loss, and last night Nowitzki also fought a fever of 101 degrees. Despite this, Nowitzki and the Mavericks were able to win a crucial Game 4 over the Heat, 86-83, tying the series at two games a piece.
↵That the Mavericks won Game 4 is obviously great news, but here's some better news: per Howard Beck, Dirk Nowitzki's fever is "basically gone" and that he "feels a lot better today."
↵Needless to say, this is great news for the Mavericks. Dallas will need another strong showing from Nowitzki in the most important game of the series, Game 5. The Mavericks need to win, otherwise they'll face elimination in Miami in Game 6.
↵Further, the Mavericks will need a healthy Nowitzki to combat a likely angry LeBron James, who managed to score a meager eight points in Miami's Game 4 loss to the Mavericks.
↵Game 5 will be held in Dallas on Thursday night, as the Mavericks look to take a three games to two series lead.
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