HOUSTON -- The Mavericks spent the majority of Game 2 hanging on to the edge of a cliff with the Rockets slowly, methodically stepping on their fingers. Considering the circumstances, Dallas' performance was actually quite impressive. Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki went a combined 11-35 from the field, while the Mavs as a whole shot a measly 37 percent from the field. Nonetheless, by some miraculous basketball voodoo, they held a lead early in the fourth quarter. From there, Houston transformed into lob city en route to a 2-0 series lead.
Let's take a look at some important storylines going forward.