Mario Chalmers drained a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter of Game 3, giving Miami a 29-22 lead. The question is did the Heat commit a backcourt violation on the play? The answer is yes.
Front court had been established by Udonis Haslem who passed the ball back to Mario Chalmers. Chalmers’ foot was on the midcourt line, which is part of the backcourt according to NBA rules. Here’s a replay video of Mario Chalmers’ three courtesy of CBS Sports:
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle referenced the backcourt violation in his postgame press conference, saying that was something else Dallas had to fight. That’s three points Miami should not have had, but it’s hard to say that means the Mavericks would have won the game. The Mavs went to the line 12 more times than the Heat and were called for 13 fewer fouls. Additionally, there were several fouls called on Udonis Haslem that seemed unnecessary, and there was a play where Shawn Marion jumped into LeBron James and a foul was not called.
Even though this should not have counted, it’s difficult for me to say the Mavericks would have won the game. Even Rick Carlisle said the Heat played a better game.
