Heat vs. Thunder: Serge Ibaka and More Role Players to Watch in NBA Finals

The 2012 NBA Finals are beginning tonight, and it will be nothing short of an epic series. Most of the focus is going to be on the “Big Three” from each team—Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook of the Thunder and LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for the Heat—but role players are going to have a big impact on which side raises a banner.

Let’s take a look at some that will certainly make their mark on the series.

Serge Ibaka

The shot-blocking, defensive specialist is going to have to protect the paint and be able to extend out to the three-point line to get a hand in players like Bosh’s face.

With the Miami Heat likely playing small ball for much of the time, as they do not have a true center, Kendrick Perkins role is going to be limited. Ibaka is going to be the main big and he’ll have to step up and play like it for the Thunder to win.

Shane Battier

Battier is playing in the first Finals of his long and illustrious career. He’s definitely earned the right to appear and log some minutes after making some critical plays against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Heat used him as the starting PF for most of that series and his three-point range, ability to rebound and play defense was huge for the team.

Thabo Sefolosha

The Swiss shooting guard is the perimeter defense extraordinaire for OKC. Considering Miami has both LBJ and D-Wade, Sefolosha has his work cut out for him.

He’s not going to be asked much to contribute on the offensive end, but he’s got to do his best to lock down his assignment and keep them out of the paint before the Thunder get destroyed with easy dunks and layups.