Heat vs. Thunder: Highlighting Role Players Who Must Step Up in Game 3

After an exciting two games in Oklahoma City, the 2012 NBA Finals shifts to Game 3 and moves to Miami.

The stars for both teams have delivered so far. Miami's "Big Three" scored a combined 72 points in Game 2, and Oklahoma City's "Big Three" has been unstoppable.

The Thunder's ability to reduce turnovers and get to the line has shown their experience and allowed them to win and keep close. The Heat have gotten help from the bench and found ways to become a scoring machine.

As Game 3 gets ready to tip-off, both teams need more than just their stars to contribute if they want to win the title. The winner of Game 3 has gone on to win the championship 11 of the past 12 years.

Here are some role players that must play well in order for their team to succeed.

Shane Battier

Shane Battier's offensive production has been a pleasant surprise for the Miami Heat. Battier has scored 17 points in each of the first two games and is shooting 9-13 from the three-point line.

He has also been put to the test on defense, usually having to match-up against Kevin Durant. While Durant has still been able to produce, he has not been as effective as he could be.

For the Heat to win this crucial Game 3, the former Duke star must continue his stellar offensive attack and shutdown defense.

Serge Ibaka

Oklahoma City's big man has made his presence felt on defense, with five blocks in Game Two. He is also averaging about six rebounds per game.

Ibaka's offensive contribution, however, has left a little to be desired. In both games of the Finals series so far, he has scored a combined 17 points and is averaging a little less than 50 percent from the field.

The 6'10 power forward needs to maintain his defensive front and help contribute more on offense in order for the Thunder to take home a victory tonight.

Thabo Sefolosha

The role player who will have the biggest impact on the outcome of Game 3 will be No. 2 for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sefolosha is a defensive specialist whose main reason for being on the court is to shut down LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He has had four steals, six rebounds, and 3 blocks in both games so far in the series.

While he is known primarily for his defense, the 6'7 shooting guard needs to do just that: shoot. He only has 12 points through two games and is only shooting 30 percent.

If he can continue to play dominating D and take some of the shooting burden off of Durant and Westbrook, Sefolosha will allow the Thunder to compete with the Heat and give them the chance to rob Miami of a championship.