"There was a time when Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler hurt so bad it even hurt to get out of bed.

During his 10-year career, Chandler has had to overcome a stress reaction in his left foot, an inflamed ankle and a fractured toe, which had to be repaired by surgery. One ailment after another has slowed his progress and prevented him from climbing into the elite class among NBA centers.

"I remember coming off the surgery and just really asking myself what is this all about, and not knowing the future and not knowing my capabilities on the court, how effective I would be," Chandler said. "So going through all of that, going through rehab, going through last year, it's amazing to be here.

"And it's important that you seize the moment, you take advantage of this opportunity, because I've been on the other end and looking like it would never happen."

Chandler and the Mavericks are tied with the Miami Heat 2-2 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals. Game 5 is tonight at 8 at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks believe another 13-point, 16-rebound effort like the one Chandler produced during Tuesday's 86-83 victory in Game 4 will help carry them to the championship threshold.

"We need Tyson to play the way he did," point guard Jason Kidd said. "He was big offensively, defensively, and also being able to be a playmaker.

"When we got him the ball he made the right reads, and we're going to need that in Game 5."

The undisputed leader of the Mavericks, Chandler is always diving for loose balls and tipping balls -- which he can't corral -- to his teammates. And he's usually the player making most of the hustle plays that could mean the difference between winning and losing."