Heat Takes 3-1 Lead Over Thunder
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For once this series, the star of the game wasn’t part of either team’s “Big Three”. Instead, it was the play of Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers that helped the Heat rally from from a 17-point deficit to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
The Miami Heat fought through injuries as they were able to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-98 on Tuesday. With the win, the Heat are one win away from winning the NBA championship.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to have a chance to play for (the title),” said Heat coach Eric Spoelstra. “We know at the same time that we have to stay the course and there’ll be an incredible amount of noise on the outside and we have to focus on staying in the moment.”
The Thunder started the game with high energy as they were able to get off to a 33-19 lead to end the first quarter. The Heat, however, were ready for the challenge as they managed to tie the game within four minutes of the second quarter on a 16-2 run led by point guards Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers.
The Thunder were never able to recover. Now, the Miami Heat have the opportunity to hoist the NBA trophy in front of their home crowd, should they win Game 5 in Miami.
Point guard Mario Chalmers was the key contributor for the Heat, scoring game-clinching points for the team. Chalmers finished with a postseason-high 25 points. Lebron James led the Heat with 26 points and 12 assists, including a three pointer late in the fourth quarter while suffering from leg cramps.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook provided the offense for the Thunder as
they combined for 71 of the team’s 98 points. Durant finished the game with 28 points, scoring 6 points in the fourth quarter. Westbrook scored a game-high 43 points in an outstanding effort to try and help the Thunder tie the series.
“Russell had a great game. We were going. We were going with him and he was making terrific plays at the basket,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks.”Unfortunately we didn’t make a couple plays down the stretch that we could have (to) win the game.”
The Thunder look to extend their series in Game 5 and send the playoffs back to Oklahoma City for the final two games. Tip-off for Game 5 is on Thursday at 8 p.m.
