With the two best and most exciting teams in the NBA pitted against one another, the worst thing that could happen for the league is for the Miami Heat to win on Thursday.
Fans, journalists, commentators and even casual onlookers want this series to go seven games, which is why they’ve been calling for it to make that far since the final buzzer rang on game 1.
All the drama, from LeBron James falling down unable to finish game 4 to Oklahoma City’s inability to get a major contribution from anyone other than their stars, game 4 and this entire series has had all the highlights you could dream of. It would be an anti climactic shame for the series to end in game 5 but if it does, James and the Heat will have earned it.
Player of the Series: LeBron James-Miami Heat
Is there any question about his greatness credentials? In games 1-3, James averaged more than 30 points per game and matched his own standard by finishing one rebound away from a triple double in game 4. His ability to pass the ball better than the Heat point guards shows his exceptional ability as a basketball player and just what kind of team player he is. For OKC, if LeBron is firing on all cylinders, a three game winning streak to save their championship hopes looks nearly impossible.
Dunk of the Week: Russell Westbrook-Oklahoma City Thunder
There have been better dunks in the series, but we have to reward the former UCLA standout for the way he has stepped up in this series. In game 4, his 43 point performance was the only thing keeping the Thunder in the game at times and with this put back dunk, one of his seven rebounds, Westbrook assured the Heat that a win wasn’t going to come easy.
Block of the Week: Serge Ibaka-Oklahoma City Thunder
Where this presence in the paint was in game 4 for OKC, we’re not sure. But if the Thunder are going to force this series back to Oklahoma City, they’re going to need it back in game 5. Blocking the MVP in style, here is a big play from OKC’s most important big man.
Assist of the Week: LeBron James-Miami Heat
His strength on the offensive end is unparalleled but his scoring and rebounding sometimes takes a backseat as teams prioritize stopping him. That’s when he shows his MVP worthiness by turning to his point guard like ability to pass the basketball and give his teammates easy baskets.
Trick Shot of the Week: Dwyane Wade-Miami Heat
Who else? The guy does it time and time again in big moments or when the Heat have a huge lead, it doesn’t matter. We’ll go ahead and say it, Wade is the best player in the NBA when it comes to getting into the defender’s body and making a tough shot.
Clutch Shot of the Week: LeBron James-Miami Heat
With legs wearing down and barely able to stand never mind run and shoot, James knocked down a crucial three pointer to give the Heat a lead they would never relinquish. Any doubts surrounding his ability to play big when it matters the most, he’s answered in this series.
