With game 4 in the books and many more cheers and boos being let out, let's take a look at what needs to be done/not done in game 5 of the NBA Finals.
1) Will the real OKC catalyst please stand up?
There's the 3-time scoring champ. There's a guy from UCLA. There's a dude with a 7+ foot arm span. There's Russell Westbrook. Let's be clear here: Kevin Durant is the man in OKC. He's got the composure, he's got the all-around game, he's what OKC has ridden to an NBA Finals appearance. How is it then that Westbrook is the one averaging 25 SHOTS a game, while Durant only 20 per game. Time after time we have wanted Durant to step up, but that's pretty hard when your point guard decides HE wants to run the show, and...well...miss wide open potential game tying 3's (http://tinyurl.com/89k2tfr), and commit a ridiculously stupid foul while appearing completely lost in the process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSCa5BCplEs). The underlying problem here? Somebody needs to step up. While we all want Durant to be that guy, it's been Westbrook bearing the load (both good AND bad) so far in this series. It might be too late, but hopefully OKC can figure out who their go to guy is. And they need to do it in a hurry.
2) A Tale of Two Benches
Game 4 showed us that one team has their bench situation figured out, while the others is completely in shambles. Here's a hint: The team with the 3-1 lead has got it figured out. While LeBron James moves into the paint at will, guys like Shane Battier and Norris Cole remind everyone why they currently have a roster spot. That's right. They aren't part of the "Big Three", but they sure as heck are contributing to them being one win away from a title. On the other hand, what has made OKC strong is in a matter of disarray. Other than the fact that James Harden has seemingly forgotten what a 6th Man of the Year plays like (he's currently shooting 35% in the series from the field), the "veteran presence" of the Thunder in the form of Derek Fisher decided to REGRESS as his playoff experience increases. How do I know this? Exhibit A! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHBaeBju9rw
3) Super Mario
I would be a sad excuse for a sports writer (although I don't think I'm one to judge) if I didn't acknowledge Mario Chalmer's breakout performance in game 4. He was 9 of 15 from the field, and scored 25 points. Solid game right? Well that would be an understatement when compared to the first three games of this series
Game 1: 5-7 FG, 12 points
Game 2: 1-7 FG, 3 points
Game 3: 1-8 FG, 2 points
After further examination (and some simple math), Mario Chalmers scored 8 more points in game 4 than he had in games 1-3 COMBINED. Case closed. If Chalmers repeats this, OKC will be on a one way trip back to where the wind goes sweeping down the plains (which doesn't make a lot of sense since if OKC wins game 5 they'll be playing games 6 & 7 and home, but we'll go with it).
4) Growing Pains
How big is LeBron James' exit to game 4? Not very, considering he had done everything else to help his team to victory. As big of a LBJ critic as I have been...yesterday just about shut me up. 26 points, 12 boards, 9 dimes. Wow. That's an MVP type game, considering he sat out the last minute or so with cramps. As far as game 5 goes, I expect more of the same for "King" James. While I still hate to admit it, he is the best player in the game. Period. Bar none. For those of who you still think the clutch gene isn't there: 29.25, 6, 10. Boom. There's the series average for James (points, assists, rebounds). Highest average of active players in the playoffs? That title belongs to the "king" as well.
5) The "It" Factor
Oh yes, the "it" factor. The variable that turns the tide in favor of one side and is the key to triumph. What is that in game 5? Could it be the "Big Three" being one win away of that elusive title (is it elusive if they've be trying for it for a whole year and a half?). Or will it be the Thunder finding a balanced attack with Kevin Durant leading the charge, Westbrook filing in behind him, and the bench hitting key shots in key situations? Three games in a row? My brain is telling me the Heat will win it. My heart wants the Heat to lose, but also wants the fans in Seattle to have a little solace over what could have been (Yes, I watched the Sonicsgate documentary. Loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Dp20ydm1E). The "it" factor definitely has to lean towards the Heat. I guess we'll see...
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