NBA Finals 2012: Key Role Players Who Will Determine Game 4 Outcome

In the NBA Finals, starters get most of the credit and rightfully so, but having a strong bench is what gives one team an edge over the other.

The Miami Heat hold a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals, but Game 4 could be a major turning point.

Backup point guard Derek Fisher is a key factor because of his experience and productive efficiency when on the floor. Fisher isn't the only key role player that will help determine this game's outcome. That said, let's take a look at which bench players could affect Game 4 the most.

Nick Collison: PF, Oklahoma City

When the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 1, Nick Collison saw 21 minutes, scored eight points, was 4-of-5 from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds with one steal.

Unfortunately, the Thunder lost Games 2 and 3, and Collison only saw 28 minutes combined between both games and scored just two points (five rebounds). OKC needs to remain physical down low all game long and prevent the Heat from sifting through the paint for easy buckets.

Collison has to get more time, even just as a defensive contributor, because his rebounding skill set matches well against Miami. In turn, the Thunder can be more aggressive later on and get into a rhythm quickly to start the second half.

Udonis Haslem: PF, Miami

After starting Game 1 and receiving 29 minutes with 11 rebounds, Udonis Haslem reverted back to a role player in Games 2 and 3.

Interestingly enough, that's where he's most dangerous as arguably the best bench player in this series. Between the last two games, Haslem logged 30 minutes and recorded just seven boards, but his defensive presence was felt.

He blocked one shot in each of the last two games and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line in Game 3. Rebounding is one of the areas where OKC has the ability to dominate Miami, but Haslem's defense and athleticism give the Heat a big advantage when the backups are on the court.

James Jones: SF, Miami

Although he didn't play in Game 1 and barely played in Game 2, James Jones' Game 3 service has earned him some props heading into Game 4.

In the last contest, Jones received only 12 minutes but scored six points (which was the difference in the final score), got a steal and was perfect from the free throw line (3-of-3).

Jones will be vital to Miami in Game 4 because the Heat need an offensive weapon off the bench.

Shane Battier may be a stellar defender, however, we know he won't put up 17 points like he did in Games 1 and 2 (nine in Game 3). As long as James sees around 15 minutes and scores close to 10 points, that production alone will take a lot of pressure off the Heat in the fourth quarter.

Derek Fisher: PG, Oklahoma City

Despite having logged 25, 24 and 28 minutes in each game during the Finals, Derek Fisher has scored just 17 points with one assist all together.

Yes, the man is 37 years old and not nearly as effective as a few year ago. But, considering that he's getting 20-plus minutes each game, Fisher must push the pace and get ahead of the Miami defense. Moving more off the ball and setting up the frontcourt underneath is needed, along with taking the given jumpers.

In Game 3, Fisher did have two steals, so if he keeps his defense on its A-game, Oklahoma City can fend off Miami's onslaught to even the series. The Thunder need their savvy veteran to step up, and Game 4 is the time.

John Rozum on Twitter.