On Tuesday, Game four began slow and ended with a bang. The usual story of OKC trying to rally back in the fourth quarter didn’t look quite the same as it did before. The entire team looked tired, while Miami was able to keep its pace constant. Miami once again was more aggressive and were able to dominate the boards.
Lebron James wasn’t quite the “beast” he had been the last couple of games, but he did manage 26 points and 12 assists. Dwyane Wade put on a good performance with 25 points and Chris Bosh helped by adding on 13 points while also grabbing 9 rebounds. Miami’s key players have been playing big as well.
If it isn’t Shane Battier stepping up for the Heat, then it’s point guard Mario Chalmers. Chalmers remained in the background until Tuesday night when he decided to have a break out performance. He grabbed a couple rebounds, got a couple steals and made himself presence felt with 25 points.
The stats for the OKC Thunder looked terrible, but one person covered up for the lack of scoring. Russell Westbrook shocked many viewers by getting 43 points. His performance looked dominate early on in the game, but the tired Westbrook missed shots and made a critical mistake in the final seconds by fouling and sending a Heat player to the free throw line.
Mistakes like missing rebound opportunities and fouling when they shouldn’t, have really slowed the Thunder down the last two games. In both games, Westbrook has made unnecessary fouls that put Miami players, like Wade and James, on the line to extend their lead.
The Oklahoma City Thunder must learn how to move the ball down the court and then into the hands of Kevin Durant. Even if they figure it out by game five, it might be a little too late for the Thunder.
No team has ever comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA Title, but there is always a chance that it could happen. The Thunder will try to make history and leave Miami with a win, but it will only happen if Miami loses the close out game in their house.
If Oklahoma City can pull off a win in game five in Miami, then the final two games would be in Chesapeake Energy Arena in OKC. This could make it possible for the Thunder to comeback from their deficit and win the series, but you’ll have to watch to find out.
Tune in to ABC on Thursday, June 21 at 9 p.m. ET.
