Thunder at Heat: Game 4 Pregame Primer

vs.

OKC Thunder (13-5, 4-4 road) vs. Miami Heat (14-7, 9-2 home)

TV: ABC (Cox 8, HD 705)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:00 CT

Heat lead series 2-1

View from the enemy: Heat Index

MIAMI — On the way to Oklahoma City’s shootaround today, I was thinking over things, about what to write next, about where this series is at. Here’s the thing: Nothing’s changed. It’s all the same. All the same words apply, all the same emotions, all the same circumstances. The Thunder need to win Game 4, otherwise the hole to climb out of might be too deep.

I’m not being lazy, it’s just the truth: The Thunder need to win Game 4, otherwise it might be time to start thinking about 2012-13. (OK, I am being somewhat lazy.) Only so much can you write that 40 different ways. The Thunder need to shoot better, pass better, shoot free throws better, defend better, play better. The margin for error is now as slim as its ever been and the clock is ticking.

Winning one of three in Miami was the mission, because otherwise, you know. I thought Game 3 was going to be it because of the way the Thunder played early on. They survived and seemed to get a rhythm going, kicking into that gear where they’re smart and comfortable. But some silly fouls, some foul trouble and a complete offensive disruption blew it to pieces.

Which makes Game 4 the next most important game in the history of everything. You can look at Games 2 and 3 and think of opportunity lost, or you can move on and win this one. All the Thunder need to do is make sure the series comes back to OKC. And that might have to be sealed tonight.

Tip at 8:00 CT. Go Thunder.