Miami Heat Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Oklahoma City Thunder

Lebron James had 29 points and 14 rebounds to help the Miami Heat take a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

James and the Heat are now only 2 games away from erasing the sting of last years disappointment after a 91-85 win over the Thunder at American Airlines Arena.

“We carry that pain with us,” the Heat’s Chris Bosh said regarding last years loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

“We think about it every day and that really helps us to succeed in this series.”

As reported by ESPN, James had his best Finals performances in games 1 and 2 of this series, topping 30 points both times. He fell short of that mark in game 3, but was able to reach the 20 point mark for the 20th time in the postseason, putting him only 2 shy of Dwayne Wade’s franchise record that was set in the 2006 postseason.

“Just trying to make plays,” James said.

“I told you guys, last year I didn’t make enough game-changing plays, and that’s what I kind of pride myself on. I didn’t do that last year in the Finals. I’m just trying to make game-changing plays, and whatever it takes for our team to win, just trying to step up in key moments and be there for my teammates.”

James’ teammates see a clear difference in their star player as they’ve reached the NBA Finals for the second year in a row and are aiming to bring another title back to Miami.

“He was great. He’s been great for us all playoffs,” Heat forward Udonis Haslem said.

“I don’t know if he looks up at the clock or score sheet, but he knows when we need him to make big plays and come through for us, and he comes through.”

Kevin Durant and the Thunder will have a chance to even the series Tuesday night for Game 4 in Miami.