Hoops Nation

The Oklahoma City Thunder has only managed to win one NBA Finals game on their home court in Oklahoma and that was Game 1. The Miami Heat took control in Games 2 and 3. No team in NBA Finals history has gone on to win the NBA championship, nor has the series been pushed to a Game 7. Game 4 was a must-win for both teams. Why? The Heat are the favor to win if they push the series to 3-1, while the Thunder can tie up the series to force a Game 6 and even a Game 7. Let’s see who took the must-win game tonight.
Quick Breakdown of the Game
The Oklahoma City Thunder came out the gates fired up and cooled off the Miami Heat for one quarter. Thanks to Russell Westbrook’s 10 first quarter points, the Thunder were up by 14, 33-19. The second quarter was in the favor for the Miami Heat. The Heat went on a huge run in the first half of the second quarter. They brought the once-17-point lead down to single digits. Norris Cole started the run strong. LeBron James totaled 10 points, six rebounds, and eight assists by the end of the half. By halftime, the Thunder only led the Heat by three, 49-46. LeBron James had a huge third quarter, but the Thunder as a team held their ground. James scored 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists, while Russell Westbrook only tallied eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Heat led the Thunder by four, 79-75. Russell Westbrook was the man for the Thunder as he brought the Thunder back in the game, after trailing by seven, with the first 13 points of the fourth quarter for Oklahoma City. At one point in the fourth, LeBron James suffered leg cramps, which forced him out of the game for a minute or two. With 2:18 left in the game, the Heat led the Thunder by five, 99-94. LeBron James was forced to go back to the bench due to his cramps with 55 seconds left in the quarter. Mario Chalmers stepped up and scored five of his 25 points in the final 44.6 seconds. The Miami Heat went on to win Game 4, 104-98, and now take a 3-1 NBA Finals series lead.
Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Kevin Durant scored 28 points on 9-19 shooting. Russell Westbrook recorded 43 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
Miami Heat Top Performers
Chris Bosh scored 13 points on 6-12 shooting. Mario Chalmers and Dwyane Wade scored 25 points each. LeBron James recorded 26 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.
What to Dwell On?
Will LeBron James finally be crowned the king of the NBA come Thursday’s Game 5 in Miami?