2012 NBA Finals

Miami, FL

LeBron James chalked up 29 points and 14 boards and Dwyane Wade added 25 points, 7 boards and 7 assists as the Miami Heat captured a 2-1 series lead with a 91-85 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena.

The Miami Heat used a strong defense in the second half to get past Kevin Durant and Thunder in another back-and-forth contest at Triple A.

James and Wade combined for 13 of Miami's 22 points in the fourth quarter while exposing the Thunder's inexperience in clutch situations.

The Heat took a 47-46 advantage at the break despite facing all kinds of pressure from the surging Thunder.

The Thunder finally made their move at the start of the third quarter, pulling off a 14-2 run to take a 60-51 cushion with 6:55 minutes left in the period.

However, the Heat stepped up defensively and began to eat Thunder's lead with marvelous plays from Miami's dynamic duo. James ended the third period with a three-point shot to give the Heat a 69-67 edge.

In the fourth quarter, the Heat asserted their dominance inside the paint as James and Wade continued to attack the basket.

Durant and Russell Westbrook kept the Thunder within striking distance until the costly miscue happened in the most crucial time.

With the Thunder having the chance to cut the deficit to two or three points with 16.2 second left, Thabo Sefolosha committed a turnover off an inbound pass to Westbrook.

Wade knocked down his free-throws to virtually seal the game and 2-1 edge in this thrilling NBA Finals series.

Durant finished with 25 points and Westbrook added 19 points and 5 assists. James Harden struggled on the floor, scoring 9 points on 2-for-10 field goal shooting and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line.

The Heat guns for a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Thunder when the NBA Finals resume

 

 

LeBron James Double-Double Lifts Heat Over Thunder for 2-1 Series Lead