LeBron James struggled to find himself in Game 4, can the Heat recover?

words // Nick Engvall

LeBron James has been under heavy criticism and watchful eyes since he was about 10 years old. Regardless, with an 8 point scoring outing, and zero points in the fourth quarter of an NBA Finals game, James’ performance last night is begging for criticism. In 90 career post season games, Tuesday was the first time LeBron didn’t score in double digits.

In a game in which LeBron played like he had the flu, it was actually Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki that played through a 101 degree fever. Nowitzki somehow managed to 39 minutes and score 21 points and grab 11 rebounds to lead the Mavericks to a 86-83 victory. Jason Terry scored 17 points, Tyson Chandler added 13 points and 16 rebounds, and Shawn Marion put in 16 in a balanced attack that may have the critics silenced, at least temporarily, regarding Dallas’s toughness.

Although LeBron’s lack of play was the most noticed part of the Heat’s game, Dwyane Wade did his part to help carry the team, scoring 32 points and coming up with 2 big blocks down the stretch. Chris Bosh added 24 points but with just 2/3rds of the ‘Big 3′ the series now sits at a 2-2 lock.

Check out the Sneaker Watch coverage from Game 4 courtesy of ESPN below.

Dwyane Wade in the Jordan Fly Wade.

Jason Terry in the Reebok Zig Slash.

Mike Miller shoots a jumper in the Nike Zoom KD III.

Shawn Marion in the Nike Air Max Fly By.

Jason Kidd in his Peak signature model.

LeBron James with an awkward shot wearing the Nike LeBron 8 PS.

J.J. Barea with an easy bucket wearing the Converse Star Player EVO.

Dirk Nowitzki with an open jumper wearing the Nike Hyperdunk 2010.

DeShawn Stevenson celebrates a 3-pointer wearing the adidas adiPURE.

Chris Bosh with a monster dunk wearing the Nike Air Max Hyperdunk 2010.

Mario Chalmers gets a bucket wearing the adidas adiZero Crazy Light.

Is that a new adidas Furry Light that Champ the Horse is wearing?