Finals: Advantage LeBron

The Miami Heat came out swinging; sticking to their guns for game two of the NBA Finals.  The Heat sustained their energy for all 48 minutes, building momentum from the early onslaught they put on the Thunder.  OKC would make a late charge fueled by point guard Russell Westbrook and forward Kevin Durant, but LeBron James would seal the win with a clutch rebound and two clutch free throws late.  Miami forced OKC to drop a game at home 100-96 as the series shifts to South Beach tied 1-1. 

Games three, four, and five will be on the Heat's home floor.  The Finals transitions to a 2-3-2 format, which is different from the previous three rounds.  The loss last night for the Thunder gives James and the Heat a clear advantage moving forward.  If Miami can win at least 2 out of 3 home games, then they would take a series lead up 3-2 back to OKC for game six.  The Heat also have the opportunity to close the series out at home, if they can muster up three straight wins in front of their home town fans.

James and his sidekicks, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade put on a masterful performance in game two.  The Heat looked like a different team last night.  Their offense flowed and most of the scoring seemed effortless.  James lead his squad with 32 points (13th 30 plus game this postseason), 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Bosh and Wade combined for 40 points and 21 rebounds (Bosh grabbing 15).  Believe it or not a role player stepped up for Miami.  Forward Shane Battier contributed 17 points on 5-7 shooting from downtown. 

Even though Miami allowed OKC to make a run late; it was still a solid performance for the Heat.  They took their lumps from game one and came out in game two with a ferocious mentality that never permitted them to give up the lead.

Let's not forget about the Thunder.  Kevin Durant matched James with 32 points and Russell Westbrook continued to shoot (26 attempts), but still dropped in 27.  The first half was atrocious for Westbrook and the Thunder.  Magic Johnson on the ABC halftime show called it, "The worst half he had ever seen a point guard play in the playoffs," or something like that. 

However, OKC would bounce back early in the second half, fueled by the leagues sixth man of the year, James Harden.  Harden finished the night with 21 points, but his spirited play along side with Durant and Westbrook wasn't enough to foil the Heat.  Game three of the NBA Finals will air at 8PM ET Sunday night on ABC. 

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Time now to focus on Miami Heat star and three time league MVP, LeBron James.  For one reason or another people love to root against LeBron.  Not sure why we want to see a great player fail, but that is the case with LeBron. 

If it's because of "The Decsision," which aired in prime time back in the Summer of 2010, then it's not a good enough reason to hate him.  LeBron spent seven grueling seasons with a franchise that never gave him enough support.  The Cavaliers had the opportunity to keep James during the free agency frenzy of 2010, but failed to achieve what James needed; which was landing a star he could play along side with.

LeBron James did nothing wrong and in fact he owed us "The Decision."  Would we have been satisfied with James making it known that he was leaving Cleveland for South Beach on Twitter or through a well manicured press release, probably not.  The drama surrounding his decision was so hyped that he did the right thing by letting the world know together where his choice would land him.  Seven years in Cleveland was enough.  If the Cavaliers as an organization couldn't land a suitable sidekick for James or let alone keep one (Carlos Boozer) then they weren't ever going to do so. 

Perceived arrogance is another reason why most people dislike LeBron.  We ignore how un-selfish he is on the floor, and focus more on his off the court swag.  The fact is that James has accomplised a lot during his time in the NBA except for winning a championship.  He shouldn't be knocked for how he carries himself; he's still young and is prideful in his achievements. 

However, questions will always swirl around why James disappears in crunch time or why he shut it down against Boston during the 2010 postseason.  The bottom line is that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA right now and hopefully fans of the game will be able to enjoy watching him play rather then despise his every move. 

When Miami's "big 3" of James, Wade, and Bosh came together, who didn't think they could win seven titles in a row?  The scary thing is that they still can.