NBA Finals Game 2 Diary: Respond React

Waited all night for another hopeless shot of Alonzo Mourning and Pat Riley amongst the Thunder crowd. No luck.

Down 0-1, carrying a 2-9 personal record all-time in the Finals, against a team that last lost at home in April, LeBron and the Heat were facing another referendum on the dynasty that was once promised and still yet to be delivered.

As they have throughout the post-seasont, Miami responded. LeBron — with a huge assist from Wade, Bosh and Battier — hit the game clinching free throws, attacked the basket at will, and left no doubts that there is no clear favorite in this two team race.

They’ll write about, dissect and write some more about the non-foul call at the end. But when you start the game on a 18-2 run on this court, it’s hard to say the end result wasn’t earned.

On OKC’s side, that’s two straight games where Westbrook has attempted more shots than Durant. If Durant is more defined by his efficiency, Westbrook represents volume, and there’s still a better equilibrium to be found for the Thunder’s offense. At this point, I’m not sure if Perkins-Ibaka need to be on the court together given the Heat’s size, and the offense definitely seems to flow better with Harden at point with Westbrook and Durant off the ball.

But these are the questions that will linger with each game, each swing in the series. For the Heat, they go home escaping two days of deconstruction and talks of another Finals demise. For LeBron, that’s two impressive games to start these Finals, he’ll need several more to secure that first title.

For the Thunder, it’s another test in a post-season full of them so far. The fourth quarter comeback should encourage them, but equally alarming is their slow starts.

Two games in between two teams with little separating them, we’ll all tied. The Heat punched back tonight. Now, we await the Thunder’s response.

photo via Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images

Posted on 15 June, 2012

10 notes

  1. thetickr reblogged this from stevenlebron and added:
    up for debate is...these. Below are some thoughts from an impressive Game 2 road win for...
  2. wewantbasketball reblogged this from stevenlebron
  3. stevenlebron posted this