NBA Finals 2012: Why Stars Will Align for Miami Heat in Game 4

In the face of adversity, the Miami Heat have been able to bounce back remarkably well in the 2012 playoffs, beginning when they faced a 2-1 series deficit against the upstart Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

When Chris Bosh went down to injury in Game 1 of that series, the Heat lost the next two games. But LeBron James and Co. battled back to win the next three games, and they battled back when they found themselves in a 3-2 series deficit against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.

Now with Bosh back and relatively healthy, the Heat's three stars—James, Bosh and Dwyane Wade—will align, and they'll help the Heat take a 3-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

Game 3 was a game the Thunder should have won. Both Wade and Bosh played below their standards—Wade shot just 8-of-22 while Bosh shot 3-of-12. And it may be the game the Thunder look back on when they lose on Tuesday.

There are several things pointing to the Heat getting, well, hot in Game 4.

For one, Wade has backed up every poor shooting performance in the 2012 playoffs with a solid game. It happened after Game 3 against the Pacers, after Games 4 and 6 against the Celtics and after Game 1 against the Thunder. After every poor performance, he's been called on to "step up." Every time, he has.

Secondly, the Big Three finally appear to be getting back into a rhythm with Bosh back. And by "a rhythm," I mean they are once again displaying the bounce-back play they have exhibited earlier this season.

In Game 1, both Wade and Bosh struggled from the floor. In Game 2, Wade scored 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting and Bosh posted 16 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks.

In Game 3, Wade and Bosh shot poorly again. In Game 4? Well, I think you get my drift.

What do you get when you have James, Wade and Bosh playing well together? You have a victory, like in Game 2 against the Thunder in Oklahoma City.

On Tuesday night, you'll have the Heat playing at home and all the stars aligned. It figures to add up to a loss for the Thunder, as James will get within one win of holding that elusive championship trophy.

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