Oklahoma City came storming back from a double digit deficit in the fourth quarter as they looked to steal another game from the Heat, but Lebron James would not let that happen. James scored six big points in the final minutes to secure a 100-96 win. It was clear from the opening tip that Miami was going to put up a fight, jumping out to an early 18-2 lead on the road, thanks to great defense and aggressive offensive play. Dwyane Wade returned to his old self scoring 24 points on 10-20 shooting. The Thunder cam out very sloppy and put it together in the fourth quarter but by then it was too little too late. Here is a quick analysis of both teams in game 2.Miami Heat
It was evident early that the Miami Heat had a new strategy entering game 2. They were not afraid of taking it to the basket which proved to be the difference maker. Getting points in the paint and swinging the ball around led to 45% shooting in the first quarter. No matter what defensive adjustments were made by OKC they seemed to still put up points. Being aggressive not only led to shots but to free throws and putting the Thunder in foul trouble. The Heat shot 25 free throws in total which really set the tone for the game.On defense they looked great as well only allowing Kevin Durant to score six points in the first half. Oklahoma City shot 34% in the first half and allowing 0 fast break points. A key factor that and big difference from Game 1 is that Lebron James got help from his supporting cast. Chris Bosh had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Dwyane Wade had 24 which took pressure off LeBron and put more pressure on the Thunder defense opening up shooting opportunities. Battier was also monumental scoring 17 points on 6-8 shooting. He also had a huge bank shot three as the shot clock was winding down late in the fourth quarter. It was finally good to see Miami and a big moral boost close out a game because it seemed as though they would let this one slip away. Lebron James was great scoring 6 points and had the dagger with 2 free throws that put the game out of reach with less than a minute left. James was 12-12 on free throws. With this victory the Heat have taken away home court advantage from the Thunder and look poised to take the series lead back in South Beach.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The new bad habit for the Thunder cost them this game. Just as in game 1 they came out in the first quarter looking flat, unorganized, and completely lost. There is plenty of blame to go around including coach Scott Brooks but my main issue in game 2 was Russell Westbrook. He was 1-7 in first quarter and as a point guard played selfish. As a point guard your main priority is to find the open man, and if you are having an off night you especially need to pass the ball. He finished 10-26 and 27 points. The Thunder got in foul trouble early which is another reason they could not get going offensively. They were lucky to only be down 12 but that was in large part due to James Harden and Serge Ibaka who played great in the second quarter. Harden had 17 at half but only finished with 24. The fourth quarter was great especially from Durant who scored 16 points and led the charge. He made seven shots in a row which really turned the tide in favor of OKC. But defensively missed assignments and offensive rebounds were hard to recover from.Missed free throws was also a rare mistake from the Thunder as they shot 73% on free throws. Depsite all this Kevin Durant had a chance to tie the game with 9 seconds left but missed a 10 foot floater from the baseline. It was maybe a foul, questionable no call but it was just too little too late. In order to win game 3 the Thunder MUST come out ready to play. Thought hey play good from behind the Heat proved they can withstand the comeback. I also think Westbrook has to differ to Durant more and get him more shots. The Thunder bench has to play better as they did in game 1 with Scott Brooks making better changes. Apart from the big 3 the Thunder only had 16 points that has got to change. Game 3 will be huge for both teams in order to gain momentum. This has been a back and forth series but both teams know how to slow each other down. It will come down to who will apply it. Bench play and defense are two factors to watch for Sunday night.
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