Game 3 - Home Sweet Home

The third game of the 2012 NBA Finals was a weird one. It seemed as if Miami dominated the first half. James, Wade, and LeBron all played well. Miami was able to move the ball close to the basket for easy shots, the key to their offensive success. Miami also retrieved a plethora of offensive rebounds. Meanwhile, Durant and Westbrook struggled to get off early. This was the fourth consecutive game the Thunder got off to the slow start.

One problem, the score didn't reflect Miami's dominance. At halftime, Oklahoma City trailed by only one point. Kendrick Perkins played well early, but he can't carry the team. This spelled doom for Miami, who hadn't brought the same energy in the third quarter as they had early on during the first two Finals games.

Sure enough, the Thunder played far better in the third quarter. They took significantly more shots than did Miami in the third and Durant and Westbrook seemed to get into the flow of the game. Yet, Miami actually doubled their lead to two when the quarter ended.

Miami exorcised some of their demons by playing well in the fourth. While Durant, who received a slick alley oop pass from Harden, had 25 points and Westbrook had 19 on 8 for 18 shooting, Miami's two stars were the story. LeBron had 29 points and 14 rebounds. Wade, whose games was punctuated by a reverse layup for a three point play, scored 25 points.

OKC couldn't hit the big shot when it counted. Miami won 91-85 to take a 2-1 series lead.