Dynamic Duo

Pat Riley first promised it 11 years ago: a Miami Heat victory parade down Biscayne Boulevard. Shaquille O'Neil guaranteed it two summers ago, vowing to add a fourth ring to his big hand in his new city.

And with one tenacious game after another in these NBA Finals, Dwyane Wade delivered both.

The Miami Heat are champions for the first time, thanks to two basketball greats who made good on their promises -- and the next great one, whose promise seems unlimited.

Heat In Game 3

Wade tied a career playoff-high with 42 points and orchestrated a Miami rally that climaxed on Gary Payton's jumper with 9.3 seconds left as the Heat escaped with a 98-96 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

The Heat, with their season hanging in the balance, pulled off the biggest comeback in franchise postseason history -- a 13-point rally in the final 6:34. Instead of staring at a possible sweep, Miami is now within 2-1 in the best-of-7 series.

whew!

at looooong last! i made it!