NBA Finals 2012 TV Schedule: What to Watch for in Game 2
The three key stats for Game 2 and the rest of the NBA Finals will be the Oklahoma City Thunder's field-goal percentage, the free-throw battle and the rebounding totals.
As Game 2 commences tonight in Oklahoma City at 8 PM ET on ABC, these mini-games will dictate the winner and the team that seizes control of this series.
Here is the remaining TV schedule for the series, all games will be televised by ABC:
Game 3 - Sunday, June 17, 7 PM ET
Game 4 - Tuesday, June 19, 9 PM ET
Game 5 - Thursday, June 21, 9 PM ET (if necessary)
Game 6 - Sunday, June 24, 8 PM ET (if necessary)
Game 7 - Tuesday, June 26, 9 PM ET (if necessary)
Here is how the key categories may play out:
OKC's Field-Goal Percentage
In Game 1, the Thunder shot just under 52 percent from the field. Even though Russell Westbrook was only 10-24 from the field, his and Kevin Durant's penetration created opportunities for others.
The Heat, especially Chris Bosh, demonstrated some poor discipline defensively and that can't continue to happen. The Heat don't have the luxury of having a stout inside presence on defense. It's very important that they help the helper to give their defense the right amount of layers.
In Game 1 that didn't happen, and if things don't change, the Heat will lose Game 2.
Free Throw Battle
The Heat shot 18 free throws in Game 1. That's not a bad number for them, but it's dwarfed by the Thunder's 27 attempts. That shows the Thunder were more aggressive as a team and Miami settled for too many jump shots.
Both of these teams need to get to the free throw line to be effective. The team with the most free-throw attempts has a huge advantage in this series.
Rebounding
The Thunder bested the Heat on the glass 43-35, and they had 10 offensive rebounds to only seven for the Heat. The Heat are at a clear disadvantage on the inside. That's especially the case when Erik Spoelstra won't play Ronny Turiaf. He is one of the Heat's only big bodies, and he can at least take up space.
As of now the Heat need wing players to go to the glass strong. They will need solid rebounding from Dwyane Wade, Bosh and of course LeBron James just to stay close to the Thunder in this category.
That said, they must stay be aware, because they can't allow the Thunder to get in transition regularly. If they do, the game could get ugly.
Prediction
It's going to be an interesting series, and I think Game 2 will be a classic. I expect the Heat to play better defensively in the second half and they will steal Game 2.
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