The Chosen Won: Miami Heat Take NBA Title To South Beach

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Miami Heat Are Early Favorites To Win 2012-13 NBA Championship

Fresh off their 2012 NBA championship, the Miami Heat are the favorites to repeat in 2013, according to the latest odds from Bovada. The Heat come in at 11/4 as of right now, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder (5/1), Chicago Bulls (6/1), Los Angeles Lakers (10/1) and San Antonio Spurs (10/1).

Obviously, it's early, and there are several mitigating factors. But if the Heat are to win the 2013 NBA championship, they would do well to follow the 10 steps spelled out by SB Nation's Tom Ziller. One key recommendation was to find someone who could guard bigger players.

Roy Hibbert almost felled Miami well before they got to the Finals. Indiana had its problems setting up Big Roy in the closing games of that series, but Hibbert was clearly something Miami was not equipped to deal with. Adding players to the Miami core will be extremely difficult, but the priority should be someone who can passably defend Hibbert, Joakim Noah, Brook Lopez and Dwight Howard.

As for the teams at the other end, the Charlotte Bobcats and Detroit Pistons bring up the rear, with identical 200/1 odds to win the title.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Russell Westbrook, Thunder Decide To 'Embrace' The Feeling Of Losing

The Oklahoma City Thunder were blown out in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night as the Miami Heat ended the seven-game series a couple of games early. Though the 15-point margin of victory makes the game seem closer than it was, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the young Thunder players don't plan to remove the loss from their memory any time soon.

In fact, Westbrook said he wants to do the exact opposite, according to a column from Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.

"We told each other to embrace this feeling and remember this feeling," Westbrook said. "We kind of looked around and just [said] we've got to get better. We have got to be the guys that come back and push everybody next season. We have got to get better, before we can find a way to get back here."

There are surely more fun ways for NBA players to spend the summer than "embracing" a blowout loss, but that might just be the motivation needed for the Thunder to come back better than ever.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Commentary
• 2 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Presenting The 7 Saddest Photos Of The Oklahoma City Thunder

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat Win NBA Championship, Will Be Remembered As 'Epic' By Miami Fans

The Miami Heat have had to endure quite a bit of scrutiny ever since ushering in the Big Three Era, but the payoff came on Thursday night, when they were able to overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder to clinch their first NBA championship.

The majority of the country is still going to find some unfounded reason to hate LeBron James, but things are different in South Beach. In fact, according to SB Nation's Peninsula Is Mightier, Thursday night is going to be remembered as nothing short of amazing.

Historic. Epic. However you want to describe it, the Miami Heat won their second championship in their 24-year history by winning four straight times against the Oklahoma City Thunder after dropping the first game of the series on the road.
It was just the third time in Finals history (and the second time for this franchise) a team swept their home games since the 2-3-2 format was adopted in 1985 and they did it playing their most impressive game of the season. Never mind that the Thunder had not lost four games in a row the entire season and were the favorites to win it all entering this series. The better team won and no one can ever dispute that.

All the doubts about this team, all the criticism over the past two years directed at the Miami Heat and at the MVP and now NBA Finals MVP LeBron James are finally history. They absorbed and learned from the way their first season together ended and took those lessons to heart.

Whether or not the rest of the world shares those feelings is irrelevant for the time being, really, so live it up Los Heat fans!

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NBA Finals: Thunder Undone By Ghost Of Mike Miller

The Miami Heat won the first championship since their Big Three Era began, but in an odd turn of events, the clinching game didn't exclusively involve the Big Three. Sure, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were all very good, but it was Mike Miller who had a standout performance to help clinch the series.

Miller has been a non-factor, basically, since taking his talents to South Beach. Our friends at Welcome To Loud City even went so far as to surmise that the Oklahoma City Thunder wanted Miller to have to beat them .... and then he did.

The Heat shot 14-26 from 3-point range. More specifically, Mike Miller, he of nagging injuries and a running gait that made him look like he would need a chiropractor at any moment, hit 7 of 8 3-pointers on the night on his way to 23 points.

As messed up as the Thunder defense looked in Game 5, it was still predicated on one basic tenet - the goal was to keep the ball out of LeBron and Wade's hands and make the Heat shooters beat the defense. I have to think that the Thunder went into the game thinking, "make guys like Mike Miller beat us." Well, Mike Miller beat them. I don't know if anyone could have seen that coming, but Miller played the game of his life in the biggest moment of his life, and by the end of the 3rd quarter the Thunder defense was in shambles.

It just goes to show how hard the Heat were to beat this season -- even when the Thunder were able to somehow cancel out the stars, the role players played better than anyone could have expected.

There's always next year, Thunder fans.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

LeBron James Enjoying His New Trophies

LeBron James has a couple of new shiny trophies, and he's not about to forget about them. He conducted his postgame press conference with the the Larry O'Brien trophy on one side and his NBA Finals MVP trophy on the other.

At one point, as James answered questions, he reached out to give the Larry O'Brien trophy a good rub almost to make sure it was real.

Oh, it's real, LeBron, and it's spectacular. As he stood up to leave the press conference, both trophies in hand, James paused and took one final victory lap before leaving the stage.

Last year, Mark Cuban refused to let go of the Larry O'Brien trophy, even taking it into the bathroom with him. James' Heat teammates might have a hard time prying it out of his hands this year.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Mike Miller's Game 7 Performance Was Unexpected, And He Knows It

Mike Miller was an afterthought during the first four games of the NBA Finals. Struggling with injuries, Miller played in just 21 minutes prior to Game 5, with many writing him off as washed up.

Then came Game 5 and Miller's sudden and unexpected revival. He scored 23 points in the clinching effort and made seven of his eight three-point attempts. After the game, Miller acknowledged his unexpected contribution.

"I'm just glad they didn't take me out back to the barn and put me down," Miller said in the postgame press conference.

When he signed in Miami, Miller was seen as a key contributor to assist the Heat's newly-formed big three. While he may not have performed as some thought he would, Miller came up huge when the Heat needed him most. For his reward, the former Florida Gator gets a championship ring and a trip to the doctor's office.

"I try not to see doctors anymore, but now I'm going to have to," Miller said.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Commentary
• 2 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

New York Post Always Has Its Troll Face On

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Shaq Videobombs SportsCenter, Kisses Bald Heads

Well, the championship aftermath in Miami wouldn't have been complete without Shaq finding a way to jump into the fray. If you'll recall, Shaq works for TNT, as well as NBATV. He was in the arena doing some work with Charles Barkley and the NBA crew. He was not, however, working with ESPN.

That didn't stop him from crashing the set.

He just saw bald heads and had to go for it. Notice the only guy with a full head of hair gets a handshake.

Shaq really gets to do whatever he wants to do. Good luck trying to stop him.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Mike Miller's Back Hurts, Won't Stop Him From Getting Hammered

There's really only one way for Mike Miller to get rid of his back pain after putting together a strong performance virtually out of nowhere on Thursday night. He's going to the club, and he's getting his drink on.

When Charles Barkley asked Miller whether the back pain would stop him from performing said activities, the answer was concise.

Ain't a shot in hell that a little back pain will keep the South Dakota boy down. Mike Miller was going to the club on Thursday night -- or, more accurately, Friday morning -- if he had to be wheeled in.

Which, by the way, is the desired outcome. If there are pictures of Miller getting hammered in a wheelchair at the club, the Heat's championship celebration will immediately vault to the top of the party power rankings. Step aside, Mavs.

• 12 months ago
• Commentary
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Nike Ad Commemorates LeBron James' First NBA Championship

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat And Thunder Talk NBA Finals

Following Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat did a lot of celebrating, but they also did a lot of talking.

During his postgame press conference, LeBron James wasn't worried about what his first ring would do for his status in the NBA.

"That's for you guys to write, to say if I'm the best player in the league, number one player in the league. All I know is I'm a champion," James said. "Hey, I'm an NBA champion and it don't matter. Love you guys."

Chris Bosh also had a few thoughts on the pressures James faced in route to his first NBA title, "Nobody in the world can understand what (James) went through this past two years since the moment that we came here."

While the Heat celebrated, Thunder players reflected on a season which ultimately came up short. Russell Westbrook praised the heat saying, "they just found a way to win." Kevin Durant, who led the Thunder in scoring in the Finals, also reflected on the series saying, "It hurts to go out like this. We made it to the Finals, which was cool for us, but we didn't just want to make it there."

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

LeBron James Got His Trophy, Looked Like Kid On Christmas

Can't really blame LeBron James for marveling at his new trophy. His exaggerated look of surprise and joy was like a kid on Christmas: wide eyes and shock on his face all capped by a warm embrace. It was as though he just got a brand new BB gun as a young lad!

Troooooophy! I've been asking Santa for this forever!

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat Fan Is A Witness, About To Pass Out

Looking at the following photo, you'll probably think the man in the Witness T-shirt is having a moment.

But when we add motion, it appears he's about to pass the hell out.

He comes just inches from a tip-over and that lady on the right looks a bit concerned by her surroundings. So many good things going on here.

Edit: Hey, it's Maverick Carter! Now it makes sense

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: LeBron James Says It's 'About Damn Time' After Winning 2012 NBA Finals

The public has waited nine years for LeBron James to take over the NBA. He was always the league's best player, its most important player and its most talked-about player, but he hadn't become a champion until June 21, 2012. Now, in his ninth year in the NBA, James has his first title after the Miami Heat routed the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5.

In response to this development, James had a simple message.

"It's about damn time." No combination of words, however long or short, are more poignant to many than the four James uttered. They can be interpreted in so many ways. His detractors will say them with a sneer; his supporters will scream them in joy. As always, James polarizes.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 2 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Kevin Durant And The Agony Of Defeat

For every moment of joy, there is a corresponding moment of sorrow when a great athlete comes so close to achieving the pinnacle of his craft, but falls short. For LeBron James, the joy of finally winning his first championship was overwhelming. He shed all his demons, overcoming obstacles few before him ever did, even if some were self-inflicted.

And then there's Kevin Durant.

The Thunder star is still young, but as anyone knows, nothing is guaranteed. After the Thunder rolled over the San Antonio Spurs, many expected it would be their time. After their win in Game 1, few expected the Heat would come back. Four games later, though, and the story has changed. It's understandable for Durant to be crushed like he was here.

This scene was preceded by an odd, but somewhat understandable image: Durant hugging a celebrating James, congratulating his friend on his accomplishment. I don't know how Durant did it, but he found a way. I don't know if I could have.

It's easy to say that Durant's time will come. Just try telling that to him right now.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

LeBron James Named NBA Finals MVP

LeBron James won his first NBA championship Thursday night, but as if that wasn't enough, he also added a NBA Finals MVP trophy to his collection.

James was phenominal throughout the NBA Finals. For the series, James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He capped off his finals performance with a triple-double in Game 5. James scored 26 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out 13 assists in the clinching performance.

James scored at least 26 points in all five finals games and finished with three double-doubles. He led Miami in scoring in every series during the postseason and averaged 30.5 points during the 2012 playoffs.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Erik Spoelstra Looks Goofy Wearing A Backwards Hat

Something about this just looks ... odd.

That goofy grin? It's his "not gettin' fired, ya'll" smile.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

LeBron James Is Happy

LeBron James has been almost stoic at times during the NBA Finals, but as Game 5 wore down, James let emotion pour out and it's safe to say he was happy.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay.ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

GIF: LeBron James, Chris Bosh Celebrate NBA Title

Hugs for everyone!

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. ForThunder 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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Miami Heat Crowd Celebrates Team's Impending Championship

To many, the Miami Heat represent everything that's wrong with sports. They were assembled in a way that made people uneasy, promised greatness, then didn't deliver in their first year. They stacked the deck in such a way that makes people uneasy. They are led by a star in LeBron James that lots of people don't like.

But winning a championship is so, so hard. There's no easy path to the top, as the last two years have proven. The Heat have gotten here after tons of adversity, showing composure many felt they would never show. The path, in short, was hard, just like all paths are hard.

That's what makes the moment a title is secured so special. In Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, that moment came before the final buzzer. Here's what the Heat crowd sounded like after James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were taken out for the final time in this series.

No matter how you feel about the Heat, that's a special moment.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Finals Game 5: Miami Beats OKC 121-106, Wins NBA Championship

The Miami Heat are the 2012 NBA champions.

Miami won the title with their 121-106 win over Oklahoma City in Game 5. The Heat won the final four games of the series after losing Game 1 in Oklahoma City.

LeBron James capped off his first NBA championship with a triple-double. He finished Game 5 with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the finals.

Mike Miller exploded for 23 points in the game. He did most of his damage from beyond the 3-point line, where he made 7-of-8 attempts.

Kevin Durant scored 32 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook, who had 43 points in Game 4, finished Game 5 with 19 points.

This is Miami's second NBA title in franchise history. The Heat also won the 2006 NBA championship.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Things Mike Miller Should Do After The Heat Win The Title

-Shrug his shoulders
-Give LeBron James a piggyback ride
-Come into the press room in a wheelchair, drop the mic
-Yell at Mario Chalmers
-Put a bottle of Advil in his socks, pop pills
-Go party at LIV, in full uniform, without showering
-Buy another monkey

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder's Defense Was So, So Disappointing

Lost in the shuffle of the Miami Heat’s coronation is the terrible defensive effort the Thunder provided throughout the game. The end of the third quarter was a buzzsaw nobody could guard, but the rest of the game wasn’t. There were so many basic defensive breakdowns, the kind that even a young team can’t afford.

It’s a little too early to say who was responsible, but the Thunder big men were pretty bad in particular. Serge Ibaka finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, but he was so off on every key rotation. Kendrick Perkins has a great reputation, but he was out of position so often. The perimeter players kept ushering the Heat into the lane with their dribble penetration, making life miserable for the big men.

In a game where the Thunder were fighting for their playoff lives, this kind of effort was stunning. What happened?

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat Vs. Thunder Score: Miami Blows Game Open

And the wheels have fallen off Oklahoma City's caravan. Miami has turned on absolutely everything, Oklahoma City is outmatched, and barring a miracle, there's only one quarter left in the NBA season. It's a 24-point game as the Heat lead 95-71 with 12 minutes to go.

OKC spent 12 minutes being in the wrong place at the wrong time: The Thunder were committing charges, a questionable flagrant, and besides Kevin Durant, who had nine points in the quarter, weren't getting looks. But for the Heat, it just kept falling: Mike Miller drilled his fifth three before finally missing his sixth attempt from beyond the arc, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade kept it coming -- James is well on his way to a triple-double -- Chris Bosh now has 22, nothing can stop these guys now.

Those people who think LeBron James isn't clutch will need the most epic non-clutch performance in the history of professional sports right now to keep that belief alive.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 1 comment

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Chris Bosh's Life Is A GIF

Let's go ahead and add Finger Gunz to the collection:

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Pat Riley Is Still Nervous

The Miami Heat are now up by 25 points in the third quarter of Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals. If they lose this game, and by extension the chance to clinch a title, it would be one of the worst collapses in sports history.

But Pat Riley still seems nervous, I think.

Nervous, or assured? You tell us.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Chris Bosh Has Been Outstanding

One of my favorite things about seeing teams win titles is that the second- or third-best player finally gets credit for their strengths instead of getting flack for their shortcomings. I think it’s starting to happen with Chris Bosh. The Heat star has 17 points in this Game 5, all while providing excellent defense and brilliant screen-setting.

He’s been great all series in subtle ways. Imagine how dominant the Heat would have been in the playoffs if he hadn't been hurt.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

It's A Make Or Miss League

The Miami Heat are 10-17 from three-point range in Game 5. That’s 59 percent.

The Miami Heat are 26-56 from three-point range since Game 3. That’s 43 percent.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 3-9 from three-point range in Game 5. That’s 33 percent.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 10-42 from three-point range since Game 3. That’s 23 percent.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Kevin Durant Turnover Proves Costly

The biggest play of the game thus far was Kevin Durant’s sloppy open-court turnover early in the third quarter. Durant was on a fast break with a chance to cut the Heat’s lead to three when he dribbled behind his back and lost the ball. A three-pointer by Mario Chalmers followed, and after a Thunder miss, Shane Battier hit a three-pointer of his own.

The Heat lead should have been down to three. Instead, it’s back at 11.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder Switch Pick And Rolls Involving LeBron James

The Thunder chipped away at the Heat’s lead at the end of the first half, and one way they did it was by switching pick and rolls involving LeBron James. Serge Ibaka ultimately picked up James on these switches, and while the matchup isn’t optimal, he did bother James a bit with his length.

In a lot of ways, the strategy is reminiscent of the one Miami used to slow Boston’s offense in the Eastern Conference Finals. By switching, the Thunder bait James into going one-on-one, which bogs down the offense.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder Vs. Heat Score Update: Miami Up 10 At Halftime

LeBron James has 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists and looks ready to get the ring he's waited his whole career for as the Heat lead 59-49.

Things haven't exactly clicked for the Thunder. On offense, even the rare good look they've been able to get has managed to find ways to rattle out of what seems to be the tightest rim in NBA history. And on defense, it's a mess -- as you could probably tell by the 59 points they allowed. There have been late rotations, bad bites on pump-fakes and, on one occasion, the team got caught just not guarding Mario Chalmers after he crossed half-court, allowing LeBron to feed him for an easy three. All in all, the Heat are shooting 56 percent from the field and are 7-for-12 from downtown. That's not good. The halftime score isn't even as bad as it's been - the Heat led by 17 for a time.

The star of the show, oddly, has been Mike Miller. Doubled over with a nearly geriatric back, Miller has been jogging up and down court and raining hellfire on the Thunder, shooting four-for-four from beyond the arc to finish with 12 after not hitting a single three-pointer all series. He looked to be in extreme discomfort after returning to the bench due to the back, but even if he doesn't score again tonight, he's done his job.

Enjoy your narratives, folks -- they might only have 24 minutes left to live.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Mike Miller May Actually Need A Wheelchair To Leave Games

Because this is painful to watch.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder's Defense Allowing So Much Dribble Penetration

It’s no secret why the Thunder’s defense is having huge problems. When LeBron James drives too easily by James Harden, someone has to help, leaving a shooter open. Harden’s not the only one, just the most recent one.

If you don’t angle off ball-handlers, you can’t guard anyone.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder's Defense: Bad Job, Bad Effort

It’s Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder just let Mario Chalmers walk up into a wide-open three-pointer from the top of the key after a free throw. Completely unacceptable at this stage of the season.

It’s pretty baffling.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Kevin Durant Is Creating Good Shots

I’m impressed with Kevin Durant so far. He’s catching the ball closer to the basket, devoting himself to posting up LeBron James and getting good looks for himself and his teammates. The shots just aren’t falling.

If the Thunder stay committed to feeding him and if he can continue to get open, things will turn around.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 1 comment

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

James Harden's Flop Fools Mike Breen

How well-disguised was this flop by James Harden? ESPN commentator Mike Breen was literally in the process of saying LeBron James “got away with one” the minute before James was ultimately called for the offensive foul.

At this point, I can’t help but be impressed by Harden’s devotion to his flopping. When you can fool a referee and the play-by-play guy, you’ve entered the flopping pantheon.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Mike Miller Is Moving Well Without The Ball

Given Mike Miller’s physical ailments, it’s impressive that he’s moving so fluidly off the ball to get open for three-pointers. Kudos.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Kevin Durant Commits Assault On The Rim

The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing the first quarter of what might be their last game of the season as if they are playing the first quarter of the 45th game of their season. That is, except for Kevin Durant, who has nine points and one huge tomahawk dunk.

Here's the latter:

Durant took the kickout pass on the right baseline, got by his initial defender and jumped high in the air for a right-handed throwdown. Udonis Haslem was kinda sorta in the picture, but got out of the way just in time to avoid being embarrassed. Nevertheless, ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy still compared him to Shawn Bradley when narrating the action going into commercial. So much for avoiding embarrassment.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Game 5 First Quarter Update: Miami Leads Thunder, 31-26

One team hopping out to a big lead in the first quarter has been the trend this NBA Finals, and the Heat led by as many as nine in the first quarter of this one. But some resiliency by Kevin Durant and... well, just Kevin Durant, brought the Thunder back to a five-point deficit.

Miami was a little bit Flying Death Machine-y early, with LeBron James finishing two and-ones and Dwyane Wade tipping in an alley-oop. And then they really started clicking: The team hit nine shots in a row, including two threes by an absent-thus-far Mike Miller, and Miami crowd darling rookie Norris Cole drilled another three off a pass from LeBron James to give the Heat a nine-point lead.

Defense looks like an issue early for OKC: The Big Three are getting to the rim and they're easily able to create for the seemingly endless supply of shooters on the Heat roster. Meanwhile, the Thunder are shooting a measly 9-for-24 from the field. That's got to change if they want to see a Game 6.

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.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Thunder's Defense Continues To Be Awful

You could understand if the two big men dynamic messes up the Thunder’s defense against the Heat’s small lineup, but when they can’t stay with Mike Miller beyond the three-point line with a small lineup of their own in the game, they lose the benefit of the doubt from me.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Kendrick Perkins Is Having Problems

The Thunder center just bit horribly on another Chris Bosh shot fake, allowing Bosh his second easy path to the basket for a layup. Probably time for him to sit a few plays out. Or quarters. Or maybe games.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Two Interesting Adjustments By The Thunder

1. Offensively, Kevin Durant is trying to post up more, even if LeBron James is guarding him. Durant has not caught the ball close enough to the basket, so this is a sound strategy.

2. Defensively, they showed a new double-team wrinkle on LeBron James’s first post up against James Harden. Instead of double-teaming from the middle of the floor, the Thunder sent Kendrick Perkins along the baseline. The advantage is that James can’t survey the court and pick out shooters as easily. It’ll be interesting to see if it works going forward.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Referees Have Called Nine Fouls In The First Six Minutes

And it’s not like this is a physical game. Tone it down, you guys. Let them play a bit.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Dwyane Wade's One-Handed Alley-Oop Layup Was Pretty

It's really hard to catch and finish an alley-oop layup. At least with a dunk, you know that the motion is relatively simple. You're catching a ball in mid-air and coming down for the slam. With a layup, though, you're catching, coming down, and you have to shoot back up while you are falling. It's hard.

(Spoken like a true expert of hang time, I know).

Anyway, all this is to say that Dwyane Wade's one-handed alley-oop layup early in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals was pretty impressive.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Russell Westbrook's Start Is Very Russell Westbrook

If you subscribe to the meme that Russell Westbrook often mixes excellent plays with poor decisions, then the first four minutes are your friend. Westbrook has mixed in some great plays, like finding Serge Ibaka for a dunk and a wide-open jumper with beautiful, smart passing. He has also ignored Kevin Durant coming off a curl, jump-passed into a turnover and refused to dish Thabo Sefolosha the ball on the break.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Get Excited, Scott Brooks!

Only a few more minutes until the murder trial … erm, basketball game … begins!

• 12 months ago
• Commentary
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Miami Clinches Horrific Celebratory Car Paintjob Championship

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Even Obsessive Eccentric Multimillionaire NBA Superfans Can't Afford Game 5 Courtside Seats

You might not know Jimmy Goldstein by name, but if you watch enough NBA playoff games, you've probably seen him: leather clothes, long grey hair, a wide-brimmed hat and a rhinestone or two, almost always seated in the front row. He's a mega-multimillionaire -- his net worth is unknown, but let's just say his house is the artsy house in "The Big Lebowski" -- and one of his many passions is going to almost every NBA playoff game and getting front-row seats.

However, Myles Brown -- who has been transcribing an absolutely unbelievable series of interviews with Goldstein over at GQ -- has sad, sad news regarding tonight's Game 5 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami:

Just talked to Jimmy. He might not get a floor seat tonight. BECAUSE THEY'RE GOING FOR $20,000 A PIECE.

— Myles Brown (@mdotbrown) June 21, 2012

Those same seats were $5,000 last game.

— Myles Brown (@mdotbrown) June 21, 2012

The knock on Heat crowds is that they're more interested in being seen than in seeing the game and, well, people are willing to pay an awful lot of money to be seen right next to the action at the game that could see the Big 3 clinch their first NBA finals victory. You know it's bad when even someone committed to spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on criss-crossing the country for the best access to sporting events looks at the price tag and goes, "Well ..."

Birdman, however, will likely retain his usual perch in the Miami front row. As the old saying goes, it's always better to be a rapper than a real-estate mogul.

• 12 months ago
• Commentary
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Heat Fan Brings Blogger-Inspired Sign To Game 5

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Cloudy With A Chance Of Thunderstorms

This seems ominous:

H/T InsideHoops

It's the weather in Miami, of course.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NBA Finals 2012: LeBron James Enters Game 5 With 'Game 7 Mentality'

Armed with a 3-1 series lead, the Miami Heat will have three chances to close out the Oklahoma City Thunder and win the 2012 NBA title. The first chance comes on Thursday, when the two teams square off in Miami for Game 5. If it were up to LeBron James, the Heat would end this thing sooner rather than later.

Speaking to reporters at Thursday's shootaround, James said that the Heat are approaching this game like they are the ones on the brink of elimination. Via ESPN's Tom Haberstroh:

"We're coming in with that Game 7 mentality," James said after Thursday's shootaround. "We understand that there's no tomorrow, we have that mindset right now. We're preparing for (Game 5) as if it's our last game."

James was limited by cramps during the fourth quarter of the Heat's 104-98 win in Game 4, but hit the go-ahead three-pointer. When asked about his status for Game 5, James said he "feels good." Coach Erik Spoelstra reaffirmed James' stance, saying James "won't miss the moment."

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.