2012 NBA Finals

Oklahoma City, OK

The Heat once again started strong, but this time Miami doused any Oklahoma City Thunder comeback and notched a wire-to-wire 100-96 victory in Game 2 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

LeBron James had 32 points and was perfect at the foul line as the Heat evened the NBA Finals series at 1-1 and claimed home-court advantage.

In Game 1, Miami held an early double-digit advantage, but failed to sustain it after getting overwhelmed by the young Thunder team's athleticism and athletic prowess.

On Thursday, the Heat never trailed and led by as many as 17. The Thunder started slow and tried to battle back for a shot at victory again, but their stars, including Kevin Durant, failed to deliver as they played 48-minutes of catch-up.

Durant, who finished with 32 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, got Oklahoma City as close as 98-96 with 37 seconds remaining after nailing his fourth 3-pointer of the night.

James, who appeared to have gotten the best out of the three-time scoring champ in Game 2, blocked a potential go-ahead 3-pointer by Durant from the base line in the final 10 seconds. James then hit the clinching free throws with seven ticks left.

James, who made all 12 of his free throws, also had eight rebounds and five assists. Dwyane Wade, whose offensive production has been spotty at times in the postseason, including in Game 1, added 24 points on 10 of 20 shooting from the field.

The Heat opened the game with a blistering 18-2 run en route to a 55-43 halftime lead. James unloaded 14 points and Wade had 13 in the first half.

Chris Bosh, starting his first game since Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, had 16 points and 15 boards, including seven offensive rebounds.

The Heat, who seemingly made the necessary adjustments after its collapse in Game 1, shot an overall 47.4 percent (36-of-76), while holding Oklahoma City to 43 percent shooting (34-of-79). Miami also dominated the paint 48-32.

Russell Westbrook had 27 points and James Harden finished with 21 points as the Thunder absorbed their first home loss of these playoffs.

The series shifts to Miami for the next three games, and the Thunder must win at least one game inside American Airlines Arena to be able to capture its first championship in the Oklahoma City area. Game 3 is on Sunday.

 

 

LeBron James, Heat Top Thunder in Game 2 of NBA Finals