Heat vs. Thunder: X-Factors That Will Decide Game 3 of 2012 NBA Finals

Rebounding will be one of the X-factors that decides Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The scene has shifted to Miami where the series is tied 1-1, and through two exciting games we have already seen role players play a pivotal role. Role players and other factors people often overlook will continue to play a key part in this series.

Let's look at three X-factors that will decide Game 3 of the Finals.

Scoring Distribution for OKC

The Thunder had just three players in their Game 2 loss that scored in double digits. Kevin Durant (32), Russell Westbrook (27), and James Harden (21) combined for 80 of the team's 96 points, or about 83 percent of the total scoring production.

There were five other players that received playing time in Game 2, and none of them scored more than seven points. Starters Thabo Sefolosha, Serge Ibaka, and Kendrick Perkins combined for just 14 points.

OKC cannot have poor scoring distribution in Game 3 if they are to take a 2-1 series lead. When the role players don't score enough, star players like Durant are under way too much pressure to carry the team offensively.

The Thunder need to have a more balanced scoring output in Game 3 to have success.

Shane Battier's Offense

Shane Battier's offensive has been a pleasant surprise for the Miami Heat, whose chances of winning in these playoffs have relied on the scoring of their bench players.

Battier has scored 17 points in each of the first two games in a starting role, and is shooting 9-13 from the three-point line.

If Battier does not keep up his impressive outside shooting in Game 3, who will step up for Miami? Point guard Mario Chalmers has not played well in this series, and neither have Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, who have a combined 10 points over the first two games.

Battier's offense, and who steps up if he doesn't play well, will be a crucial part of Miami's Game 3 success.

Rebounding

The team that has won the rebounding battle has won each game in the Finals. The Thunder have a better frontcourt than the Heat and have no excuse to not win the rebounding battle in every game.

Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka are two of the best rebounding big men in basketball, and cannot fail on the glass against an inferior Miami front court.

Whoever wins the battle of the boards in Game 3 will put themselves in a position to win.

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