NBA Finals 2012: Predictions for the Rest of the Series

After two intense games in the NBA Finals, we have a series. 

The first game was absolutely a tale of two halves. Miami had the quick start and was attacking Oklahoma all the way. The third quarter of the game defined the game, however. The Thunder made a run to overcome their halftime deficit. At the end of the quarter, the Thunder had a one-point lead.

The fourth quarter was Durant's quarter. He scored 17 points in the last quarter, in opposition to LeBron's five fourth-quarter points.

The second game of the series had a similar storyline.

The Thunder had a rather slow start, and the Heat took advantage of that. The Thunder found themselves in another halftime hole.

The Thunder weren't able to make a big run in the third quarter, but the fourth quarter was where they seemed unstoppable. They were defending the Heat well, and were scoring at the same time. However, towards the end, it wasn't enough to stop the Heat from winning.

So it's 1-1.

With all this in mind, I will give you predictions for the upcoming games in this series. 

Game 3 in Miami

Bold Prediction: Durant and Westbrook combine for 60-plus points.

Result Prediction: After two games with slow starts, the Thunder must improve this aspect of their game. In the past three games—the first two games of the finals and Game 6 against Spurs—the Thunder have found themselves down at halftime and having to overcome a deficit in the second half. 

The Thunder must have a fast, attacking start to win, and I think they will learn that and will perform in Game 3. I predict that the Thunder will win this game with a 10-plus point margin.

Game 4 in Miami

Bold Prediction: Kendrick Perkins fouls out of the game.

Result Prediction: After a loss at home, after which the Heat go down 2-1 in the series, I don't think the Heat would remain quiet in Game 4. I predict that the Heat will win Game 4 using the same attacking strategy they used in Game 2 to defeat the Thunder.

I predict that the Heat will win this game by a 15-point margin.

Game 5 in Miami

Bold Prediction: LeBron James scores 35 points.

Result Prediction: With a good win at home in Game 4, the Heat will probably have some momentum. I feel that this will be LeBron's game to dominate, just like Game 6 against Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 2, no one really had a solid solution for stopping him; he scored 32 points. 

I predict, however, that this will be a close game. Miami will win by less than five points.

Game 6 in Oklahoma

Bold Prediction: Kevin Durant will score 40 points.

Result Prediction: After two-straight losses, I doubt that the Thunder would remain unresponsive. After their time in Miami finishes, they would return back to their fortress, where they have only been defeated once this whole postseason. I predict that this will be Durant's explosive game, just like the way he exploded in Game 4 against the Spurs with 36 points.

I predict that the Thunder will win this one by 15 points.

Game 7 in Oklahoma

Bold Prediction: Kevin Durant and LeBron James will get into early foul trouble.

Result Prediction: Game 7 of any series is always an intense one. I feel that this game will be close throughout; each team will score points one after the other. It will be neck-and-neck throughout.

However, when the fourth quarter is all that is left, I feel that the Thunder will find their inner championship team and will end up winning this game. The Heat will remain close at all times.

I predict that the Thunder will win Game 7 by two points, which means that they would be the NBA champions.