One could argue game 3 is the most important game in a series being tied at 1 game a piece. The series has now shifted to Miami for the middle 3 games and is now a best of 5 series. Miami dealt the Thunder their first home loss of the 2012 playoffs and now has the chance to try and win the series at home. Only twice in NBA history has a team won all 3 middle games at home in the finals. The 2004 Detroit Pistons and the last team to do it which was the 2006 Miami Heat.
There is still a lot of question marks going into game 3. Will Westbrook keep forcing the issue? Will Lebron continue his stellar play from the first 2 games in OKC? If this series has taught us anything so far it’s that no lead is safe. Miami got off to a strong start in game 1 taking a 13 point lead before losing the game. Again in game 2 Miami took a 17 point lead before hanging on for a narrow 4 point win they had to have.
We know both teams can score and score in a hurry. With Kevin Durant fully aware of the moment I expect him to continue staying aggressive in South Beach and will his Thunder team to at least 1 win.
For Miami it’s quietly been the story of Chris bosh having a huge impact. In just his 5th game back from injury he said a 16 point 15 rebound effort in the game 2 in. Bosh has made his presence felt on the inside all while getting himself back into game shape. If Shane Battier can keep connecting from the 3 point line Miami will prove to be a tough team to beat.
Game 3 will be all about the role players. Who’s role players will show up and have the bigger impact? Derek Fisher is playing in his 8th NBA finals and hasn’t made the impact we have grown accustomed to over the years. Will playing on the road force Fisher to come out a little more aggressive for his young Thunder team and make an impact?
History shows when the series is knotted up at 1-1 and the winner of game 3 takes the 2-1 series lead, more times then not they win the series.
