LeBron James and the Miami Heat are now only one win away from an NBA Championship.
Despite Russell Westbrook’s 43 points, the Heat went on to a 104-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder giving them a commanding 3-1 series lead, something no other NBA team has been able to overcome in NBA finals history.
LeBron James had 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds before being limited late in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be leg cramps. Dwyane Wade had 25 points helping the Heat rally from 17 down.
While sitting on the bench in the final moments Mario Chalmers filled in nicely capping off a 25 point game for himself.
The eventual stake in the heart of the Thunder’s chances Tuesday night though came when Russell Westbrook fouled Mario Chalmers in the waning seconds of the fourth. Westbrook seemed unaware that the Heat had five seconds left on the shot clock which sent Chalmers to the line sealing the victory for the Heat.
Oklahoma City head coach Scott Brooks later said that Westbrook’s foul “could’ve been a communication thing”.
OKC’s Kevin Durant had 28 points while James Harden had a forgettable night scoring only 8 points and going 2 for 10 from the field.
Ref: Associated Press
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June 20, 2012
