Behind a brilliant performance from Jason Terry, the Dallas Mavericks were able to draw first blood in the 2006 NBA Finals, winning 90-80 at home to take a 1-0 series lead.  Terry scored 32 points on 13-18 shooting, maintaining a hot hand throughout the entire game.

Dwyane Wade, who finished with 26 points on 11-25 shooting, was a bright spot for the Miami Heat, but with Shaquille O'Neal once again struggling from the foul line (1-9) the Heat were unable to overcome the surging Mavericks.

After Terry missed a layup in the fourth quarter, which would have put the Mavericks up by 12, the scoring for Dallas went dry and the Heat were able to make the game close once again.  However, the Mavericks were able to settle down in the closing minutes, putting the game out of reach.