NBA Finals Game 3 – Miami Heat Edge Thunder in 4th, Take 2-1 Series Lead

By Ian Loria | Published June 18, 2012

The Thunder took the win in Game 1 over the Heat. The Heat surprised the Thunder and gave Oklahoma City their first home post-season loss and took Game 2. With the series tied at 1-1, the Miami Heat took their home floor and faced the Thunder for a third game. LeBron and Kevin Durant looked to duel each other out on the court again. Let’s see which team took the series lead tonight.
Quick Breakdown of the Game
Tonight’s game was not a walk in the park, so to say, for the Oklahoma City Thunder. For a second game in a row, things were going wrong. The referees’ calls were going in the Heat’s favor. Kevin Durant was forced to foul trouble. James Harden could not find his sweet stroke. Russell Westbrook did not think while he was playing. Derek Fisher fouled his man from beyond the arc, twice. Things were just going wrong for them. In the first quarter, LeBron James charged the Miami Heat with 10 points and five rebounds. Russell Westbrook was the man for the Thunder with six points and two rebounds. Both players did not dish out an assist. The Heat led the Thunder by six, 26-20 after one. The Thunder played a lot better in the second quarter. Oklahoma City trailed by one, 47-46 right before halftime. Kevin Durant came up big for the Thunder as he totaled 21 points after the third quarter, but LeBron James already had a double-double after three with 21 points and 10 rebounds. After three periods, the Thunder trailed the Heat by two, 69-67. With the great team effort of the Heat, of course, led by LeBron James, Miami went on to win Game 3, 91-85, and now lead the series 2-1.
Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Kendrick Perkins recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored 19 points on 8-18 shooting. Kevin Durant scored 25 points on 11-19 shooting.
Miami Heat Top Performers
Chris Bosh recorded a double-double of his own with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade scored 25 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and assisted 7 times. LeBron James recorded a double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds.
What to Dwell On?
The Heat are now up 2-1. Can they take the last two games in Miami to win their second franchise championship (LeBron’s first ring)?