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Privately, LeBron jokingly mocks Chalmers for everything from his sneakers -- Chalmers has a deal with Spalding, which is apparently making shoes now and not just basketballs (who knew?) -- to his taste in food. Publicly, which is basically limited to the basketball court, you'd think they hated each other. "I know there's a better way sometimes to express the way I feel on the floor," James said. "But sometimes in the heat of the battle, I feel like he can take it. I know he can take it. That's why I do it that way. "Rio's one of the toughest guys. He's got a hard shell, so he doesn't let much get to him." ESPN.com

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Mario Chalmers 

Earlier in the series, he had been berated for his defensive mistakes by James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, but he said his confidence is unshakable, especially after his tying 3-pointer in the NCAA championship game with Kansas in 2008. “I’ve been here before and I know what to expect,’’ he said Wednesday. “I love the big moment like that. Any time I can put my team ahead or take the last shot, I’m willing to do that. “It’s something that you’re born with, you know, being from Alaska. Everybody counts that guy out, so for me it’s going to the end to prove people wrong. “When I first got there, they were like, ‘Yeah, OK,’ not really believing it, but now that I have proved myself the last four years, my teammates got a lot of trust in me.’’ Boston Globe

Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers 

Alex Kennedy: James, Wade and Chalmers are the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points in a Finals game since Magic, Kareem and Worthy in 1985. Twitter

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers 

Chris Tomasson: Lots of "huge'' talk going on from DWade: "Mario Chalmers was huge... That three (LeBron) hit was huge.'' Twitter

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers 

Alex Kennedy: Dwyane Wade: "Mario has heart. He actually thinks he's the best player on this team. That's his gift and his curse." Twitter

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers 

Mario Chalmers: “I knew with KD on me, I was going to have a lot of open looks. That's the main thing about it tonight. ... Yeah, I took that (being guarded by Durant) as a little sign of disrespect." Oklahoman

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Tom Haberstroh: Battier with the nerdiest quote of the year: "I don't think Mario has gone on http://TED.com and downloaded inspirational speeches." Twitter

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Alex Kennedy: Erik Spoelstra on Mario Chalmers: "That kid isn't afraid of any moment. We all know that. He's a gamer. He's got guts." Twitter

Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra, Mario Chalmers 

Did you take it as a slight that the Thunder put Durant on you, to protect him from foul trouble? Mario Chalmbers: “Yeah, I took that as a little sign of disrespect. For me, I worked too hard to be in the position I'm in now. Even though my offense wasn't clicking three games in the series, I wanted to step up for my team, and I was able to do that.” Oklahoman

Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Mario Chalmers 

Dubbed by Jayhawks coach Bill Self as “the biggest shot ever made in Kansas history,’’ Chalmers’ three-pointer with 2.1 seconds left in regulation tied the score 63-63 after the Jayhawks had trailed by nine points with just over two minutes remaining. “It depends on what part of the country I’m in,’’ Chalmers said when asked if he’s recognized now more for the huge shot that capped his Kansas career or having played in a second straight Finals for the Heat. “If I’m in the Midwest, a lot of people recognize me from my Kansas days. Of course, Miami is East Coast, and it’s all Heat.’’ FOXSports Florida

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Chris Tomasson: Miami guard Mario Chalmers, referring to the Heat winning a title: “I think it is our year.’’ Twitter

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Gabrielle Union: They’re brothers. I have a favorite, obviously, but my recent obsession is Shane Battier. Hilarious, but on the low. Mike Miller and James Jones are the funniest on the team by far. Chalmy (Mario Chalmers) is my baby. Palm Beach Post

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade, James Jones, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, Gabrielle Union 

Brandon Rush: If the Celtics win tonight, Mario has to move back to Alaska Twitter

Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers 

Alex Kennedy: Shane Battier has been extremely impressed with Mario Chalmers this postseason. "He's got a ton of heart and cojones," Battier said. Twitter

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier 

David Lee: You learn something new every time u watch.. Tonight I learned Mario Chalmers real name is Almario Vernard Chalmers, that's sorta cool Twitter @Dlee042

Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, David Lee, Mario Chalmers 

Tonight will be crucial, as the winner of Game 1 in the Conference Finals has gone on to win the series 80.0 percent (88-22) of the time in NBA history. The Celtics won the 2011-12 regular season series 3-1, but Mario Chalmers is the only one of the projected Game 1 starters to have started in all four meetings this season. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Chalmers said it simply is time to move on, endorsing the approach the Heat took Friday. "Watch film, see what we did wrong, then get ready for Game 4," he said. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Asked about his level of concern, he said, "nothing really." "They're a good team; we're a good team," he said. "We never slept on Indiana. We know they're a good team. It's just time for us to step up. "Our spirits are still good. It's just one game. We've got another game Sunday. Just get ready for that one." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers 

Brian Windhorst: Forgot to mention, Mario Chalmers suffered a wrist injury tonight. X-rays were negative, will be re-evaluated tomorrow. Twitter

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers, Injuries 

Brian Windhorst: LeBron said last play was for Chalmers Twitter

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Erik Spoelstra, Mario Chalmers