Dwyane Wade has shot the Heat right back into the NBA Finals as Miami recorded a 98-96 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three at American Airlines Arena.

Staring down the barrel of a daunting 0-3 deficit in the best-of-seven series, Wade stepped up and netted 15 points in the final term as the Heat clawed back from 13 points down to close out the game.

Wade finished with a game-high 42 points together with 13 rebounds, while Shaquille O'Neal finally brought his game to the series with 16 points and 11 boards.

With success from the line an obvious weakness in Shaq's game, the 216cm star landed two key free-throws to spark Miami's turnaround.

Dirk Nowitzki, who has been superb throughout the finals series, again shone for the Mavericks, his 30 points and seven rebounds almost getting Dallas over the line.

Josh Howard contributed 21 points, Jason Terry finished with 16 and Erick Dampier made an impact off the bench with 14 points and nine boards.

Miami was desperate to find that elusive victory in their maiden championship series and started the game well, racing to an eight-point (29-21) lead at the first break.

In a fairly even second term the Heat managed to increase their lead by one and held a handy 52-43 lead at half-time.

But things quickly changed in the third period as the series leaders lifted the intensity and made their intentions clear.

Restricting the Heat to just 16 points for the quarter, Dallas piled on 34 and quickly took the lead, heading into the final 12 minutes with their own nine-point advantage.

That lead blew out to 13 in the opening stages of the final period before Wade exploded and wiped the deficit away, a last-ditch effort by the Mavs to force the match into overtime failing and giving the Heat some much needed hope heading into Game Four.