The Thunder went into Game 4 with the chance to even the NBA Finals at 2-2, but Miami got the 104-98 win.
Oklahoma City started the game with great energy and effort to lead 33-19 at the end of the first quarter, but Miami charged back in the second quarter to trail by only 3 going into the half. Â Miami took the lead in the third quarter, but the Thunder was in a position to do what they have done throughout the postseason by orchestrating a comeback.
After facing some harsh criticism for his performance in the past, Russell Westbrook was the biggest factor in the comeback effort, scoring 43 points on 20 of 32 shooting. Â Kevin Durant added 28 points, and between the two, they scored the team’s last 32 points. Â Serge Ibaka and Russell Westbrook each had 7 rebounds, and James Harden grabbed 10 boards himself.
LeBron James led the Heat with 26 points, but he left the game in the fourth quarter with cramps. Â He was followed by Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers, who each had 25 points. Â Lebron was one rebound shy of a triple-double with 26-12-9.
Now the Thunder face an elimination situation for the first time in this postseason. Â Game 5 on Thursday night will be a must-win for the Thunder if they want to get back to OKC for a chance to do what no other team in NBA Finals history has done by coming back from a 3-1 deficit.