NBA Finals 2012: Game 4 Keys for OKC Thunder to Even Series vs. Miami Heat

The Oklahoma City Thunder once again have their backs against the wall. Only this time it's the Miami Heat who are leading the series.

Fortunately for OKC, we know they have the capability to make a comeback, catch fire and get into rhythm very quickly. Down 2-1 to Miami, Oklahoma City must even the series to force at least one more home game.

Let's take a look at the Thunder's keys to victory in Game 4 against the Heat.

Third Quarter Explosion

In Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals the Thunder produced impressively well at the start of the second half. OKC won the third quarter over Miami, 27-19, and went into the final quarter with the lead.

Games 2 and 3, unfortunately, were not the same case. Oklahoma City won the third quarter in Game 2, 24-23, but it didn't carry enough into the fourth. As for Game 3, the Thunder lost the third quarter, 22-21, and ultimately the series lead.

An intriguing aspect, however, is that OKC has been dominated by the Heat early in each of the three games. So, obviously getting off to a faster start must occur, but it's the third quarter where the momentum shift is most sensitive.

Oklahoma City knocked the wind out of Miami in Game 1 to start the second half, but unfortunately, failed to do so thereafter. Regardless of the score at halftime, the Thunder must emerge from the locker room with a vengeance to dominate the third quarter and own the game tempo heading into the fourth.

Nick Collison's Impact

We know the starters for each team will get their production, but it's the bench players who must really step up.

Nick Collison did just that in Game 1 for the Thunder, scoring eight points and grabbing 10 boards in 21 minutes. In Games 2 and 3 however, Collison was shut down by the Heat and combined for just two points and five rebounds in 28 minutes.

Now, part of that lack of production can also be attributed to James Harden going off in Game 2 and receiving 69 minutes between both games. Still, Collison must be more effective when given time like he was in Game 1.

Going four-of-five from the field and even getting a steal to open the series was impressive, and that presence on the floor in the next game gives OKC an edge. The Thunder have to get him at least 20 minutes, and Collison must get physical down low to draw fouls and grab boards.

OKC has the ability to easily out-rebound Miami. The Thunder must get that from Collison in Game 4.

Isolate Chris Bosh

On both ends of the court, the Thunder have to keep Chris Bosh out of his game.

Although he didn't start Game 1, Bosh still played 34 minutes, scored 10 points and got five rebounds. However, Bosh hit another level in Game 2 with 16 points, two blocks and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes.

As for Game 3, Bosh only scored 10 points but blocked two more shots and grabbed 11 boards. Oklahoma City must attack him on offense to draw fouls and prevent him from getting defensive rebounds.

Twenty of his 31 rebounds this series are on the defensive end, and the best way to restrict that is by attacking. Defensively, OKC has to simply keep him out of the paint. Rebounding is arguably Bosh's best attribute, so forcing him to fight extra to get inside will wear him down quicker.

After all, when Oklahoma City took Game 1, it out-rebounded Miami 43-35. When it lost Games 2 and 3, Bosh's 26 combined boards in those two contests were the most of anyone from either team.

John Rozum on Twitter.