NBA Finals 2012: Bold Predictions for Game 4 of Thunder vs. Heat

For Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the common consensus seems to be that Oklahoma City has to find a way to steal a victory tonight to keep its chances of winning a championship alive. 

It is quite the turn of events after Game 1, when most people were assuming that the Thunder were just going to steamroll Miami after that 105-94 victory. Unfortunately, we have to panic after every little thing, so much so that we forget what the Thunder were able to do against San Antonio when they were down 2-0 in the Western Conference finals. 

Since we have so much at stake in this game on Tuesday night, what better time to make bold predictions for what to expect?

Serge Ibaka Will Break Out Of His Funk

Coming into the NBA Finals, Ibaka looked like an emerging star. He was outstanding on both sides of the ball against San Antonio and had a very good game against the Heat in Game 1. 

The last two games have seen Ibaka score just 12 points and grab nine rebounds combined. That kind of production won't work for the Thunder if they want to have a chance to win this series. 

While Ibaka is not going to come close to the 11-for-11, 26-point performance against San Antonio, he should be good for at least 10 points and eight rebounds. 

Dwyane Wade Will Start To Get More Passive

There is a theory in the NBA that shooters need to keep shooting in order to break out of their funk. Dwyane Wade must have heard that theory a lot as he was growing up, because even though he keeps missing shots, he keeps chucking the ball in the air. 

Now is the time for Wade to start incorporating more teammates into the mix. He can always dish to LeBron James if he wants to, though I would like to see him give the ball to more shooters like Mario Chalmers, who does have arms and the ability to shoot a basketball. 

If the Heat are going to win this game, Wade can't keep throwing the ball up in the air hoping it will fall. The team doesn't need him to be a prolific scorer to win this game, as long as he is getting others involved. 

The Thunder Will Win The Game

At the end of the day, all that matters is who wins the game. The Thunder have their backs against the wall. They lost the always-pivotal Game 3, so they need to take one of these next two games in order to get the series back home. 

No need to worry, Thunder fans, because they will figure out how to get their offense rolling once again and even the series at 2-2. 

LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be spectacular, but I think the Thunder's supporting players will step up. Scott Brooks will not take Durant and Westbrook off the floor at the same time again, which will help the team keep their rhythm going for longer stretches. 

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