The Big 3's 4th Man

I've said all series long that both teams were going to need to find non-major role players to come in and be productive for either team to win the series. James and Durant are going to get their points regardless and there isn't much you can do about that, but when Wade, Westbrook, etc are having off nights or evening so-so performances, who is going to give that extra boost? For Miami, Battier has been proving he can provide that extra spark when needed to help the Heat. Last night Mario Chalmers had a career night matching Wade's 25 points and, temporally at least, becoming a part of Miami's Big 3 as a substitute for Bosh. His effort was exactly what the Heat needed as they knocked off OKC for the 3rd straight game 104-93. Bosh still, however, had a good game bringing in 13 points and 9 rebounds. But the resilience of the Heat to rally late in the first half and ability to find that fourth or fifth man to produce points was the difference. The Thunder have yet to find that player to step up besides Durant and Westbrook and it has hurt them. To makes matters worse James Harden has done ultimately nothing all series long and hasn't scored double digits in a single game. (Had 8 points, 10 boards last night) Harden (and others) MUST dig deep and find a way to help their dynamic duo. They can't do it alone, especially when Miami is getting significant help from it's non major role players.



Will the "King" be crowned Thursday Night?

James, who led the Heat in scoring with 26, battled cramps late in the fourth and missed some playing time before returning to nail a crucial 3 pointer with 2:50 left before exiting for the final time on the night. He had to watch the finals seconds from the bench as the pain was too great to allow him to continue. But it seemed his re-appearance, tough brief, encouraged the Heat as they went on a 7-0 run once he came back into the game. Lebron is now one win away from finally knocking the monkey off his back and winning a ring. And much deserved, as he's stepped up when it mattered most time and time again all playoffs. I get the feeling that even if the Heat wins Thursday night, people will still be out against him and not give due credit. I also feel that he won't care and he will put on his hot-off-the-press NBA Champions T-shirt and Hat, answer a few questions then walk off the court with his Finals MVP trophy smiling from ear-to-ear.


As someone that doesn't poetically care for LBJ, I've come to a crossroads. Though I still don't like him, I am starting to, as my friend Seth Rothell would say. "respect the movement." He has been great overall during the playoffs and pushed this team to wins. None bigger than his season saving performance against Boston in the Eastern Finals.


But as Lee Corso would say....NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND!!!



Though the director has cued the fat lady and she is warming up, she ain't singing just yet. There is still a big game left to be played. Every game played so far as come down to the wire so I expect no difference in game 5. Furthermore, closeouts games are extremely tough, even at home. I picked OKC to win this in 6, and though that clearly can't happen now, I'm standing by my prediction of them winning the series. A win tomorrow night sends this baby back to OKC where the Thunder only have one playoff loss. (Yes, it was to Miami...but still, they are tough to beat at home.) To send this back to OKC though, Harden has to step up. Fisher, who played 22 min and went scoreless and rebound-less with one lone steal, has got to step up, Perkins doesn't have to score 10 points, cause that's not even realistic, but he has got to toughen up and bring down some rebounds to give his team the ball. Ibaka has to hit the boards harder also, and try to pitch in 6-10 points down the stretch or get to the line a few times and knock down FT's. Westbrook delivered 43 points last night, Durant added 28 but it wasn't enough. Harden is far past due for a breakout game. His team desperately needs that stellar performance to happen in game 5 to extend the series. Miami can smell the blood and the Thunder will just about have to play their best game of the season to get out of Miami alive and the way things are going for them and in contrast for the Heat, I'm not sure it will happen. Like I said, I stand behind my prediction of OKC winning the series because changing it now would be cheating. I believe in this team, if anyone can knock off Miami Thursday night, its Oklahoma City.  Here's to another great game between these two young gun teams and what hopefully, will promise us at least a game 6!


Go Thunder!