The gulf between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder — two teams seemingly destined for a tight, seven-game NBA Finals series — has grown glaringly wide. The difference is more than just the Heat’s 3-1 lead, which has put them on the cusp of winning a championship.
It’s a contrast in styles, dominance, contributions and execution, all of which are revealed uniquely by the NBA playoffs. That’s especially true in close games, in which the tiniest details are magnified to an enormous scale.
The Thunder and Heat are both built on the premise of three superior stars and a cast of role players. But Oklahoma City is driven by its ability to score — stalling when it doesn’t — while Miami defines itself by defense and a growing unselfishness.
LeBron James’ rebound and remarkable whip pass to Dwyane Wade in Game?4 won’t get the attention it deserves. Instead, we will remember Russell Westbrook scuttling his astounding 43-point performance when he fouled Mario Chalmers with 13 seconds left instead of being cognizant of the time left on the shot clock.
But what about Derek Fisher’s inexplicable decision — after James cramped and turned the ball over — to drive the lane and get his layup swatted by Wade? Instead of taking the lead with less than six minutes to play, a four-point swing ensued when James had a free jumper on one leg at the other end. Better choices are expected from a veteran like Fisher, and they’re desperately needed when Westbrook and James Harden log boneheaded plays at crucial moments.
The Heat’s role players aren’t perfect, either, and Miami sacrifices a foul or three from Shane Battier. But it’s a small price to pay for the utter disruption he causes, which earns him repeated mentions by the ESPN broadcast. In comparison, a reminder might be needed for how to pronounce Thabo Sefolosha, the Thunder’s supposed lockdown defender, although his inbound pass to no one in Game?3 won’t soon be forgotten.
Oklahoma City may grow up and grow out of its own deficiencies in time. Their talent level is such that it still may be possible in this series. But the stage is unforgiving, and the margin — slim or chasm-like — won’t matter when the Larry O’Brien Trophy is awarded.
– Craig Stouffer
