Miami Thrice: Heat Take 3-1 Finals Lead With 104-98 Win

NBA Finals: Odds Of A Thunder Comeback Are Not Good

The Oklahoma City Thunder haven't been without opportunities over the past few games, but the Miami Heat have been able to close games and take a 3-1 advantage in the seven-game series. The odds of beating the Heat aren't good with that deficit according to history, either -- especially in the NBA Finals.

There are obviously quite a few factors that need to be weighed when deciding the exact odds of a Thunder comeback and, luckily, there are smarter people out there than yours truly that have already done that research. The always excellent Neil Paine of Basketball-Reference.com wrote on the topic for ESPN earlier this year, concluding that it's at best going to be an uphill battle.

In situations like this, the coaching cliché is to take things "one game at a time," and that's actually pretty good advice. Historically, teams in a 3-1 hole have come back to win the series just eight times in 186 chances, a rate of 4.3 percent. In fact, just battling valiantly and forcing a sixth game is a big step -- teams down 3-1 have made it to Game 6 just 38.5 percent of the time since 1956. And there's certainly pride in merely living to fight another day.

Worse yet for the Thunder is that, thanks to the Finals 2-3-2 format, they'll have to attempt to force a sixth game away from the friendly confines of home. The odds of that happening historically, according to Paine, are even worse.

Historically, teams facing a 3-1 hole on the road have forced a sixth game just 29 times in 125 chances (23 percent). The simple knowledge that they must play Game 5 away from home implies just a 5-6 percent chance that both teams' seasons survive another night.

Oklahoma City's already beat the odds once when they showed enough resiliency to beat the San Antonio Spurs earlier this postseason, but can lightning really strike twice for the Thunder? We'll find out Thursday night!

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

LeBron James, Low-Post Beast

LeBron James has been criticized over the year for not being more of a post-up threat. In Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, he put those concerns to rest once and for all.

NBA Finals Score Huge TV Ratings Again In Game 4

The Heat and Thunder had another classic finish in Game 4 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night, and they had quite an audience. The TV ratings are in for Game 4, and the numbers are impressive.

According to ESPN public relations, the game itself scored a 12.4 overnight rating, which is massive for any program these days, and it counts as the second-highest rated game in ABC's history of broadcasting the NBA. It's also a 12 percent increase over Game 4 of last year's Finals, which itself was considered a massive success with mainstream audiences.

Whether it's LeBron James and the Heat drawing them in, the rise of Durant or maybe just the lack of competition in the lean summer months, over the course of four final games, the Thunder and Heat have put up the most impressive total TV ratings since 2004.

Six months after the NBA lockout threatened to cancel the season entirely and throw the sport into limbo, the NBA is looking more popular than ever.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Thunder Vs. Heat: Miami Rotation Changing Due To OKC Bigs Playing Small

The NBA Finals have featured quite a few excellent storylines as the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in a battle for the ages. One of the battles not being talked about enough, though, is the battle of the bigs ... or, as has been the case of late, the lack thereof.

Miami has slowly but surely tightened up their rotation as Erik Spoelstra's playing a version of smallball to take advantage of mismatches on the offensive end. The Heat weren't able to do that earlier in the Playoffs, but things have changed now that they're playing a team with less offensive-minded bigs in Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison.

The play of Oklahoma City's bigs have allowed Miami to go small, playing just one post-up presence at a time -- Tuesday night's big man rotation simply included Udonis Haslem giving Chris Bosh breathers while Shane Battier and LeBron James played as power forwards. That's a problem, obviously, as Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix pointed out in his Wednesday morning column.

Miami starts the 6-foot-8, 225-pound Battier at power forward, where he is frequently matched up against the 6-10, 235-pound Serge Ibaka or the 6-10, 275-pound Kendrick Perkins. Against Indiana, Battier took a brutal beating from David West and Roy Hibbert; but he has largely skated by without much resistance against Oklahoma City, which simply is not comfortable feeding Ibaka or Perkins in the post. If the Thunder are going to go big, they need to play big.

It might actually be better to simply go with the smallball matchups, inserting James Harden into the starting lineup to give Oklahoma City a bit of an extra scoring punch until the bigs prove they can be effective.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Apocalypse Now: LeBron James And The Heat Are One Win Away

The Heat delivered again and again in Game 4, LeBron James is one win away from his first NBA championship, and after three straight victories, there's not much left to argue about here.

NBA Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder's Starting Lineup Struggled Again

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat have already put together four games of exciting basketball, but the Thunder are on a bit of a dry spell when it comes to winning in the NBA Finals. There are plenty of reasons for that, of course, but one of the more talked about opinions is in regards to Thunder coach Scott Brooks and his rotations.

Oklahoma City has decided to stick with the same starting lineup, keeping Sixth Man of the Year winner James Harden on the bench to start the game. There are reasons for this, but the cons seem to outweigh the pros considering the Thunder are now in a 3-1 deficit with win-or-go-home consequences for the remainder of the seven-game series.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were able to get some buckets early on Tuesday night, helping the Thunder to a modest five-point advantage before Harden was subbed in for Thabo Sefolosha, but the starting lineup still came out even when on the floor together in Game 4. The reason for that, unfortunately for Oklahoma City, is that the starters began the second half seven points in the hole before Harden was subbed in to stop the bleeding.

The people looking at this situation with the glass half full can easily point out that Oklahoma City has still been in the thick of things in the final minutes of each game, which is true, but they've still been on the wrong side of the decision when looking up at the scoreboard. And, if it happens again, they'll be home fishing.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Thunder Vs. Heat: LeBron James Overcame Cramps To Help Heat Miami Top Thunder

Michael Jordan had the flu game once upon a time, and though cramps are barely in the same ballpark as the flu, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James may have come one step closer to MJ's legacy with his performance on Tuesday night.

That isn't the opinion of yours truly, but there are some very smart people in the basketball media comparing the night James overcame leg cramps to score 26 points and dish out 12 assists as he led Miami to within just one game of an NBA championship. Chief among those in the media making the comparison is Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen.

They will enter Game 5 here Thursday with a 3-1 lead, with thanks to a couple of point guards who rarely are allowed to handle the ball, and with thanks as well to the last two years that have galvanized Miami to deal with the leg cramps that brought James down Tuesday night. After he lost his balance and watched his teammates stop Derek Fisher from turning his turnover into a free basket, James pushed himself up, caught a pass from Mario Chalmers and finished it off the backboard. Then he limped back downcourt and 20 seconds later was hobbling to the bench for a time out, during which he laid himself out along the ground in pain.

Someday James may be able to look back on this ending as the strangest kind of favor to his damaged reputation. Michael Jordan overcame the flu once to win a game in the Finals, and maybe, in less dramatic tones, they'll talk about the night James recovered from painful leg cramps to make a huge three that finished the big turn he has been navigating for himself and his vilified franchise over this long redemptive season.

This seems more along the lines of the Paul Pierce wheelchair game than the Michael Jordan flu game, personally, but there's no doubt LeBron played a very good game that deserves to be remembered somewhere in history. Unless the Heat end up losing their next three games, of course -- then LeBron's legacy will never change.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Finals: Russell Westbrook's Lone Blemish Bludgeons Thunder Chances

Russell Westbrook was simply outstanding in Tuesday night's Game 4 of the NBA Finals for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He picks up quite a bit of criticism when he's off, but the point guard was anything but off as he kept OKC in the game on the homecourt of the Miami Heat.

Unfortunately, people are only going to remember Westbrook's big mistake at the end of the game, not the fact that he was keeping Oklahoma City in the game almost single-handedly with a total of 43 points, seven rebounds, five assists and just three turnovers.

Considering Westbrook was also knocking down jump shots aplenty, it was more than anyone could reasonably expect from one of the biggest enigmas currently playing basketball. Except then he made a terrible mental mistake ... and that'll be the thing that's talked about when the pundits weigh in on Game 4.

For those that were unable to watch the excellent game, SB Nation's own Welcome To Loud City detailed it in-depth in their recap of the game that ended with the Thunder in a 3-1 hole.

Alternatively, you might assign a mental statistical error to the entire Thunder team, who failed to recognize and comprehend a key jump ball situation with only 16 seconds to go. OKC, down three points, had just gotten a huge stop by forcing a Dwyane Wade shot that did not hit the rim. The ball was tied up, and so the rules governing the situation stated that if Miami won the jump, they would have 5 seconds on the shot clock to get up a shot.

Unfortunately, OKC either did not understand this rule or failed to properly inform everyone on the team about what they had to do. When Miami won the tip and Mario Chalmers corralled the ball deep in the corner, Westbrook trapped him and only needed to prevent him from getting up a shot. However, Westbrook thought the shot clock had reset on the possession, unnecessarily fouled Chalmers, and Chalmers' two free throws all but ended the game. It was a brutal ending to Westbrook's night, a night when he almost single-handedly kept his team in the game by scoring 43 overall and 17 points in the fourth.

One could probably put as much blame on the coaching staff as on Westbrook, considering that it should have been communicated to him that a foul was not needed. It happened, though, and ruined an otherwise stellar game in the process.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Mario Chalmers Was Super In Helping Heat To Game 4 Victory

The role players for the Miami Heat have been pretty spectacular in this year's NBA Finals, but it hadn't been the guys who were expected to become X-Factors against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That all changed on Tuesday night, though, when Mario Chalmers decided to be super as the Heat took a 3-1 series lead.

Chalmers contributed a total of five points in Games 2 and 3, but was simply super in Game 4. Miami's starting point guard was eventually able to heat up to the tune of 25 points while limiting his turnovers and attacking the basket to keep him from being a simple three-point threat.

It wasn't the most outstanding game anyone has ever watched Chalmers play, considering he made just three of his nine three-point attempts, but his ability to attack the basket and get a clutch bucket off a lay-up late in the game was instrumental in helping the Heat get the win.

One has to wonder, by the way, if Chalmers was a bit more motivated after backup guard Norris Cole hit a couple of big three-pointers while he was in the game? Either way, whatever it was that woke him up worked.

And the Heat will likely need a similar effort again in Game 5 to close out the series.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: Heat's Mario Chalmers, LeBron James Lead NBA Finals Game 4 Highlights

Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals on Tuesday was chock full of highlights, from Russell Westbrook shooting down everything that moves to Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James all nailing critical three-pointers.

In this video, SB Nation's Matt Ufford breaks down the highlights, stats and potential for the Thunder to come back and win three straight against the Heat.

Westbrook ended up with some of the best highlights of the game, shooting a ridiculous 62.5 percent from the floor in his 43-point outburst. But that mistake in the closing seconds will stick with him for a long time, especially if the Thunder lose the series. (It's worth noting, though, that even if Westbrook hadn't fouled, OKC would have needed a stop on that possession, a quick made three on the other end and another stop against Miami. The best-case scenario would have been overtime.)

Stay tuned for full Game 4 coverage at SBNation.com.

James Harden Leaves Arena With Shooting Hand Bandaged, According To Reports

James Harden, who recorded his second consecutive 2-for-10 shooting performance on Tuesday night, may have an excuse for his sudden disappearing act. At least two members of the media reported on Twitter that Harden left Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena with his left (shooting) hand bandaged. From Paul Jones of NBA-TV Canada:

James Harden just passed me leaving AAA with his shooting hand bandaged. #NBAFinals

— Paul Jones (@Paul__Jones) June 20, 2012

From Jorge Sedano of CBS Miami:

Oklahoma City Thunder Guard James Harden left the arena with what seemed to be some sort of injury. His left hand was wrapped heavily as he was leaving the arena. I don't want to speculate too much. But, could he have taken his cues from Amar'e Stoudemire.

Until more information is released, it's impossible to know the severity of Harden's apparent injury, when it was suffered and whether it's affecting his game.

But whether Harden has a physical ailment or not, one thing is certain: he has not been his usual self thus far against the Miami Heat. In 62 games during the regular season, Harden failed to crack double-digit scoring just four times. In Oklahoma City's entire playoff run, he's failed to reach that milestone three times -- all coming in the first four games of the NBA Finals.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Did Scott Brooks Talk To Russell Westbrook Before His Late Foul?

The Oklahoma City Thunder's 104-98 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals was sealed after Russell Westbrook committed a foul on Mario Chalmers when simply playing solid defense would have allowed the Thunder one last chance to tie the game. In analyzing Westbrook's brain fart, I noted that while the primary blame for the gaffe lies with Westbrook himself, Thunder coach Scott Brooks should also be blamed for not communicating the situation to his players properly.

ESPN's Ric Bucher, though, suggested that Brooks actually did tell his players not to foul if they lost the jump ball.

Twittersphere hammering Scott Brooks. I'd swear I saw him tell his team 5 ticks were on shot clock. Every player looked up at it. RW, too.

— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) June 20, 2012

Then again, after the game, Brooks admitted it could have been a "communication thing" that caused the foul, implying there was some sort of breakdown in his message.

No matter what, it's hard to really absolve anyone for such a lapse in judgment. We can all agree that primary responsibility lies with Westbrook himself. I don't see how anyone can argue that point.

From there, Brooks' own role in the communication breakdown can be debated. On the one hand, Westbrook's lack of preparation for the situation is a reason to tangentially blame Brooks, because players are ultimately the reflection of their coach to some degree. On the other hand, suggesting that Brooks is as much to blame as Westbrook might be a bit much.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Heat Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Finals Game 4: Miami Holds Strong, Picks Up 104-98 Victory Over Oklahoma City

The Miami Heat have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder following Tuesday night's 104-98 victory. The game ended with plenty of drama, most especially because LeBron James experienced cramps and eventually left the game for good in the final two minutes. Dwyane Wade said LeBron "would be good" when asked about his condition immediately after the game ended.

LeBron hit a crucial three-pointer when he came back for a brief time after he left the court to be worked on. The shot broke a 94-94 tie and helped continue a 12-4 run that ended the game in the Heat's favor. LeBron fell one rebound short of a triple-double, scoring 26 points, dishing the ball out for 12 assists and grabbing nine rebounds.

Mario Chalmers and Wade each added 25 points while Chris Bosh put in 13 points. Chalmers was 9-of-15 from the field and sank three from beyond the arc.

The Thunder's Russell Westbrook provided a great performance in the losing effort, scoring 43 points on 20-of-32 shooting. Kevin Durant added 28 points, but no other Thunder player reached double-digit points.

The Heat can close out this series on Thursday at home when Game 5 takes place at AmericanAirlines Arena. ABC will have the game at 9 p.m. ET.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: Russell Westbrook Commits Unnecessary Foul To Seal Heat's Victory

Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals was an absolute thriller. LeBron James fought through a painful cramp to hit the go-ahead shot. Dwyane Wade was spectacular down the stretch. Russell Westbrook single-handedly kept the Thunder in the game with 43 points and so many huge plays. Sadly, though, the game ended with a costly brain fart by Westbrook that sabotaged his team's chance to hit a potential game-tying shot.

With the Thunder down three points with 17 seconds left, James Harden forced a jump ball with Udonis Haslem with the shot clock running down. Because the play happened with less than one second before the buzzer, the shot clock would be reset to five seconds if the Heat won the jump ball. That meant the Thunder just needed to get a stop to have a chance to get the ball back and tie the game.

Westbrook, however, forgot that. Thinking the shot clock had reset once the Heat won the tip, Westbrook ran right to Mario Chalmers to commit an intentional foul that ultimately cost his team a chance to tie the game.

Chalmers hit the two free throws, and the Thunder never recovered, ultimately losing, 104-98. This was the moment Westbrook realized his error.

Westbrook will take a lot of criticism for forgetting the rule, and he'll deserve it. However, Thunder coach Scott Brooks also deserves blame for not properly reminding his team of the situation. It's the job of the coaching staff to instruct the players on whether to foul or not foul in late-game situations. The players have so much rolling through their heads that they simply can't do it alone. This applies to 33-year-old players as much as it applies to 23-year-old players.

While Westbrook is ultimately the man responsible for the gaffe, it reflects just as poorly on Brooks.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: LeBron James, Cramps And All, Hits Crucial Three-Pointer

Sometime in the next 10-15 years, we may remember June 19, 2012 as the night LeBron James officially shattered the myth that he's not clutch. It won't be a fair assessment, because James' ability to produce when it matters most has always been more of a nuanced discussion than most have made it out to be. But sports isn't always logical; as much as we wish it's not about narrative, it's often about narrative.

With the Heat and Thunder tied at 96 late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, James had to leave the game after suffering a painful cramp in his leg. He sat out several possessions, and the Thunder tied the game. But James, undeterred, checked back in, knowing a win would essentially seal his first championship.

This was his first field goal attempt after coming back into the game.

In any other circumstance, this is a horrible shot. With the game tied, James stood well beyond the three-point line, not running any offense and not attacking the defense. If he misses this shot, he gets crucified. Instead, it was nothing but net, and the Heat regained the lead.

I guess that's a definition of clutch in its own way. James had the stones to take the shot, even though it was a terrible shot. He made it, and the Heat haven't trailed since.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

LeBron James Experiences Cramps Late In 4th Quarter Vs. Thunder

LeBron James left Game 4 of the NBA Finals with cramps, but he didn't let that keep him out for long. He was back on the court just over a minute later, still limping a bit but coming up with a huge three-point shot .

LeBron experienced the cramps when he attempted a drive on the basket and fell to the ground, his left knee first hitting the floor. After a little bit he got back up, but eventually he had to motion to the bench and be taken out of the game. He went to the sidelines and had the trainers work on his quads and his knees.

Nothing is going to stop LeBron from winning this game, especially not cramps.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Will Heat Start To Trap Russell Westbrook?

Here’s an interesting question: will the Heat adjust their pick and roll coverage to account for Russell Westbrook, even if it means devoting less attention to Kevin Durant? I would look for the Heat to trap Westbrook hard from now on, but that could very well free Durant, who has struggled to get open all game.

This is the value of Westbrook’s scoring.

Russell Westbrook Is Keeping The Thunder In This Game All By Himself

Russell Westbrook is willing the Thunder back into this game. Obvious statement is obvious.

It’ll be really annoying to read people whining about him shooting too much if the Thunder lose.

James Harden Just Doesn't Have It

I don’t know whether it’s fatigue from having to bang with LeBron James, but James Harden just doesn’t have the legs to shoot his shots well in Game 4, much like he didn’t in Game 3. He’s 2-9 in this one; he was 2-10 in Game 7. The Thunder aren’t winning unless he fights through his struggles.

James Jones Fouls Kevin Durant

OK folks, we need help here. Is this a dirty play by James Jones? Did Kevin Durant flop? Is it a little bit of both?

The Only Way To Stop LeBron James In The Post

… Is to hope he shoots a contested three-pointer as a heat check.

Heat Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Finals Game 4: Miami Imposes Their Will, Takes 79-75 Lead After 3 Quarters

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the third quarter of Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals leading the Miami Heat 49-46 after surviving a Heat rally in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Heat were able to take their first lead of the game, which was quickly squashed by a Kevin Durant three-point shot.

Oklahoma City struggled early with some fouls and failed to match up in transition as the Heat continued to get their shots, eventually taking a four-point lead. Durant once again began to pick up silly fouls trying to chase his man off the screen.

The Heat began to impose their will and outmuscle the Thunder, but guys like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Durant finally began to pick up some shots late in the quarter to make sure the game didn't get out of hand. As the quarter wound down, however, Miami's size once again started to come into play, as the Thunder kept picking up fouls. LeBron James began to dominate in the post and finished up the quarter leading the Heat in scoring with 20 points, scoring the final eight points for the Heat as Miami took a 79-75 lead into the fourth.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Thunder Have No Answer For LeBron James In The Post

If LeBron James remains committed to posting up on every possession, the Thunder have no answers. James Harden is too small. Thabo Sefolosha is too skinny. Their double teams will leave shooters open, particularly when Dwyane Wade continues to be fully committed to cutting to the basket when the double teams come.

There’s really only one possible answer: Kevin Durant must guard James. Given Durant’s foul problems and his own slight frame, I’m not even sure that’s going to work.

VIDEO: Kevin Durant's Long Arms Are Long

Kevin Durant is still having issues getting open, but when he's getting the ball, he's making his chances count. Durant just went baseline and completed an unbelievable twisting layup to cut the Heat's lead to three. He went up, ducked his arms underneath to avoid the blocked shot, then lifted his arms up to the rim again to kiss a layup off the glass.

This is what's so amazing and frustrating about Durant. He's become such an incredible scorer that he sometimes won't work as hard as he needs to work to catch the ball close to the basket. Then again, why would you when you can do that?

The slow-motion version of the layup is breathtaking.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Breaking News: Chris Bosh Completed 2 High Fives

Chris Bosh is notorious for having issues with completing high fives, but Game 4 is a new day. Now, Bosh is in a new environment, and he’s completed not one, not two, not three … OK, fine, he’s completed two high fives.

LeBron James Passes Well

Case in point:

Here’s a list of players in the NBA who are allowed to make that pass.

1. LeBron James.

Thunder Getting Killed On Secondary Fast Breaks

This is a consequence of having Kevin Durant guarding Mario Chalmers. After a missed shot, Durant never picked up his man, choosing instead to run to Shane Battier. Chalmers walked into a three to give the Heat a four-point lead.

Thunder's Offense Is Not Getting Enough Ball Movement

The amazing individual talent of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant is saving the Thunder’s offense. Right now, Westbrook is pounding the ball too much and Durant is having a ton of issues getting open in a good spot on the floor. The Thunder still lead, though, because both are such great shot-makers.

The Thunder have just nine assists, but they lead. This is the frustrating thing about the Thunder in general. The great ball movement that we saw in the Western Conference Finals isn’t there anymore, for a variety of reasons.

Heat Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Finals Game 4: Miami Storms Back, Still Trail 49-46

As Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals looked as if the Oklahoma City Thunder were going to just steamroll the Miami Heat, the Heat suddenly found their shots. Miami opened up the second quarter with a 17-point run and midway through the quarter tied the game at 35. Just as Miami's shots went in, the Thunder's went cold.

Russell Westbrook started the game hot, going four for four on his first four shots but suddenly went cold down the stretch and early in the second quarter. Westbrook shot just one for six as the Heat climbed back on the scoreboard and eventually tied the game. Westbrook did hit a few key shots down the stretch however, heading into halftime leading the Thunder in scoring with 18 points.

The Heat had a scare midway through the second quarter however, as Dwyane Wade went down hard on his back after a clean Serge Ibaka block.

Wade lay on the ground for a bit, writhing in pain. The Heat guard eventually got up and walked to the sideline, hunched over a bit and wincing in pain, but after a timeout went back out on to the court.

Oklahoma was finally able to find their bearings and start going blow for blow with the Heat, maintaining their lead into halftime.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Kevin Durant Needs To Work Harder To Get Open

Russell Westbrook takes so much blame for Kevin Durant that he absolutely doesn’t deserve. Sometimes, Westbrook holds the ball waiting for Kevin Durant to get open, and Durant just can’t come through. Westbrook is then forced to make a play, which is how his number of shot attempts can be so high.

This has been an issue in the second quarter. Durant has been denied way too easily by Shane Battier, and he hasn’t risen to the occasion in this game. He needs to be much better in the second half.

Chris Bosh, The GIF That Keeps On GIFing

There’s a wet spot on the floor on the Miami Heat’s baseline, and it’s not because of sweat. It’s because Chris Bosh can’t keep his saliva in his mouth.

LeBron James, Channeling Magic Johnson

Near the end of his career, Magic Johnson was so good at backing his man down into the post, waiting for the double team and kicking out to open players for shots. Now, in Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, LeBron James is doing the exact same thing. James already has six assists, as he’s willed the Heat back into the game.

James’ play is especially impressive for two reasons. For one, with the relaxation of zone defense rules, it’s much harder to draw true double teams in 2012 than it was in 1991. For another, post play was supposed to be one of James’ weaknesses. It’s clearly not anymore.

Norris Cole's Key To Success: His Flat Top

Norris Cole is having his best game of the NBA Finals. Many have their theories about why, but to me, the answer is obvious. Look at this flat top.

LeBron James, Going Back To Posting Up

LeBron James has begun to heed our advice, and he’s now going into the post on every possession. Sometimes, he sets up too far away from the basket, but he is still making more of an effort to punish Thabo Sefolosha inside. His recent move for a left-handed layup is what he has to do every time down.

Shane Battier Is Playing The Wrong Sport

I question the conventional wisdom that Shane Battier is among the smartest players in the NBA. How can this be if he’s playing a different sport than everyone else?

Russell Westbrook's Follow Through Is On Point

Coaches tell players to hold their follow through when they shoot jumpers, so really, Russell Westbrook is just being fundamentally sound here.

Fundamentally sound. Yup.

Heat Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Finals Game 4: Oklahoma City Off To Quick Start, Lead Miami 33-19

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Game 4 trailing the Miami Heat in the series 2-1 and have the look of a re-energized team as they jumped on the Heat taking an early 15-5 lead. Russell Westbrook still took his shots in bunches, but early in the game sank most of them to help push the Thunder lead. Westbrook ended the first half shooting five for eight with 10 points.

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade struggled to get going early on, just like the rest of the team. Miami struggled to sink shots even when they had open looks. Unfortunately for the Heat, the Thunder didn't seem to miss many shots as Oklahoma City scored the most points in the first quarter of any game so far in the series. Even when the Thunder missed a shot, there seemed to always be someone under the basket for the tip-in.

A big issue so far in the series has been each team's stars getting in foul trouble and the Thunder are leaning that way again, as Serge Ibaka had to hit the bench early picking up two quick fouls. Since everything seemed to go the Thunder's way however, Nick Collison off the bench was able to provide some offensive spark picking up six points.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

LeBron James Needs To Get Into The Post

As long as Thabo Sefolosha is guarding LeBron James, the Heat need to get James into the post. The one time they did, James overpowered Sefolosha for a layup. Given that nothing else is working for the Heat offensively, there’s no excuse for not posting James up every possession.

The Rim Doesn't Think Russell Westbrook Is A Point Guard

Because true point guards would shoot layups.

Kevin Durant On Mario Chalmers Is Helping Thunder In A Surprising Way

I was skeptical of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s decision to have Kevin Durant guard Mario Chalmers, but it’s paid dividends early in a way I didn’t anticipate.

One of the major things that killed the Thunder in Game 3 was that they surrendered too many easy buckets for Chris Bosh when he dove to the basket on pick and rolls. Bosh often pops out for jumpers, but in Game 3, he went to the rim and hurt the Thunder’s defense.

As it turns out, Durant on Chalmers was coach Scott Brooks’ adjustment. Because of Durant’s length, he can more easily help off Chalmers to plug the middle when Bosh is involved in a pick and roll with either LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.

Here’s an example of Durant helping out on Bosh’s dive to the basket.

Because of Durant’s help, Bosh was forced to kick this ball back out to Chalmers. Chalmers appears to be wide open, but Durant’s length closed that space pretty quickly. The Heat eventually were forced to settle for a poor jump shot by Dwyane Wade.

Putting Durant on Chalmers could be seen as hiding Durant on a lesser player, but in reality, it is allowing Durant to roam and help his teammates defensively more.

Russell Westbrook Is A Point Guard

Russell Westbrook can be an enigma, but as Andrew Sharp wrote earlier Tuesday, he’s also really good, despite his Finals struggles. So far in Game 4, he’s been brilliant, hitting 4-4 from the field and driving and dishing for an easy layup for Kendrick Perkins.

So far, Westbrook has certainly responded.

Kevin Durant Will Start The Game Defending Mario Chalmers

After dealing with foul trouble in Games 2 and 3, Kevin Durant will not begin Game 4 by guarding LeBron James. ESPN’s Mike Breen reports that Durant will instead guard Heat point guard Mario Chalmers. Ostensibly, this will shift Russell Westbrook to Dwyane Wade and Thabo Sefolosha to James.

The switch is understandable, but still feels like an overreaction to me. Durant is capable of guarding James — he did it well in the two games during the regular season. He’s just committed silly touch fouls, as well as some borderline calls that could have gone either way.

If Durant simply defended smarter, he could guard James without problems. I think it would have been smarter to stay the course and just tell Durant to do better.

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James Have Worked On This For A While

This choreographed sequence between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade isn’t anything new, but we do wonder what would happen if Wade slipped and punched James in the face, or vice versa.

The Russell Westbrook Roller Coaster

He's not Kevin Durant, but he's not Allen Iverson, either. And that's what makes Russell Westbrook the most fascinating player in the NBA Finals so far.

LeBron James Is Not A Good Defender, Serge Ibaka Says

The Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to even up their NBA Finals series at two games apiece on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat. If OKC happens to fall further behind and into a 3-1 deficit, though, it apparently won't be due to LeBron James' defense.

Noted shot-blocker Serge Ibaka told the Palm Beach Post (via CBS Sports) that James isn't a very good defender, stoking the flame when he said James can't guard Kevin Durant one-on-one.

"LeBron is not a good defender," Ibaka said about the player who received the most votes for the league's all-defensive team, which is selected by the coaches.

"He can play defense for two to three minutes but not 48 minutes. LeBron can't play (Durant) one-on-one," Ibaka said. "They're playing good defense like a team."

If ever there were shots fired in this year's NBA Finals, this is probably it. It probably wasn't the wisest idea to call out James considering the Heat could close out the series at home if they're able to emerge victorious in the next two games.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Finals 2012, Heat Vs. Thunder Game 4: Game TIme, TV Schedule And More

Bad fouls crippled Oklahoma City in Game 3 and allowed the Miami Heat to overcome their jump shooting woes. Everyone has something to improve on heading into Game 4.