Miami Snatch 2-1 Lead in NBA Finals
Despite coming into the 2011-12 NBA Finals as the betting underdogs, the Miami Heat and LeBron James have more than held their own against the supposedly stronger Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant, as they proved last night by winning Game 3 of the best-of-seven-series 91-85.
Last night's win - which put the Heat ahead in the NBA Finals with 2-1 - was an extremely crucial one, because not only did it give the home team a massive confidence boost, but it won't be lost on the Thunder that they are one game behind, and still have two more games to play on their rival's home turf.
LeBron James Caved Under the Pressure
That said, it certainly won't be lost on NBA betting fans that Miami, under the guidance of LeBron James, caved under the pressure in pretty much exactly the same circumstances last season, blowing their 2-1 lead over the Dallas Mavericks to lose the 2010-11 NBA Finals 4-2.
As such, Miami Heat fans will be holding thumbs that their team doesn't go down that heart wrenching road again, while fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder will be holding thumbs that that is exactly what they do. But, after that experience, it's probably safe to say Miami will do anything to avoid a repeat of that humiliating turn of events.
In last night's game, as expected James contributed greatly to the scoreboard, putting up 29 points and 14 rebounds, with his aggressiveness very apparent. And it is this aggressiveness that many Miami Heat fans felt was missing from the star player last season, and what is needed to help the Heat win the Championship this season.
Kevin Durant Put 25 Points on the Board
It has to be said though that James' Thunder counterpart Kevin Durant put 25 points on the board for his team, before his 'over-aggressiveness' got him in trouble. After he picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter, he was sent off the court to keep the bench warm, which definitely had an impact on the end result of the game.
So as both teams prepare to face off in Game 4 tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 18) in Miami, NBA betting fans will be sitting on the edge of their seats as they wait to see if Oklahoma City can dig deep enough to pull out a win to tie the NBA Finals at 2-2, or whether the Heat have what it takes to extend their lead to 3-1.
For our NBA betting buck, the former, despite the fact the Heat are the -3.5 point NBA Finals Game 4 betting favorites. Here are the latest 2011-12 NBA Finals Game 4 odds as posted by top-rated online sports betting site, Bodog.
NBA Finals Game 4 Odds at Bodog
| Spread | Money Line | Total | |
| A Oklahoma City Thunder | +3.5 10/11 | 29/20 | o191.5 10/11 |
| H Miami Heat | -3.5 10/11 | 3/5 | u191.5 10/11 |
