The old adage is...

That a series does not begin until the home team loses a game.
This is true, but the point needs to be refined for the sake of this playoff season.
In a 7 game series the 3rd games outcome can serve as a matchpoint for a series crossroads.
Case in Finals point. Tuesdsay night the series began when the home team won the 3rd consecutive game in this championship series.

Thanks to Flash acting like MJ and The Big guy going clutch from the line to trim the lead to 3 at a critical point.

The series began then, and actually one would have to say kinda ended there as well.
At halftimme of game 1 M. Wilbon said on the air that it seemed like the Mavs had withstood the best shot of the heat and [thanks to dirk's last second jumper still up 2 at half when Miami was on fire in the first quarter and may have not played better the enitire series