Heat avoid 17 point collapse to take game two of the NBA finals.

June 14, 2012

Oklahoma City, OK. – The Miami Heat defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-96 in

game 2 Thursday night to tie the series 1-1.

The Heat took a commanding lead early on, finishing the first quarter up 27-15.

LeBron James silenced his critics, as he was consistent in all four quarters, scoring,

rebounding, and defense. Not only was he making clutch shots, but he also posted

eight rebounds, and five assists. Along side of him was the rest of the “big three”

with Dwayne Wade scoring 24, and Chris Bosh impressing with 16 points in his first

start of the post-season. Perhaps the most intriguing of the Heat players last night

was Shane Battier. The veteran came out of the gate firing as he had two 3- pointers

in the first quarter, and finished 5/7 from behind the arch. While through the first

three quarters, it looked all heat, the Thunder made a huge push to make for an

intense finish.

The young Thunder of Oklahoma City proved that they are as mature and resilient

as any team by the way they stuck to their game in the final minutes. Down 11

points going into the fourth quarter, the Thunder bolted back with Kevin Durant and

Russell Westbrook leading the way. The two combined for 59 points nearly making

up for a poor shooting performance out of the other three starters. James Harden

also had another great game coming off the bench as he put up 21, with strong play

to close out. In the end however, the Heat did enough to hold off a collapse that

would put them in a huge hole. With the momentum high in Miami, the Thunder will

have to overcome it, and win at least one of three on the road to get the series back

in OKC.

The series moves to Miami Sunday, and will remain there for the next three games.