Mavs' obstacles: Dirk's finger, Heat's defense

MIAMI – Dirk Nowitzki woke up wondering how much his left hand would be throbbing because of a torn tendon in his middle finger.

Turns out, it wasn't bad at all.

That meant the Dallas Mavericks could turn their attention to all the other problems the Miami Heat caused them in Game 1 of the NBA finals.

The Mavs hit the practice court Wednesday worried about everything from shooting to rebounding. While they defended pretty well in the opener, they know they must be as good or better in Game 2 on Thursday night to return home with a split.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade believe the Heat can be a lot better, too, and are just as intent on protecting their home court to take a 2-0 lead to Dallas this weekend.