NBA Finals 2012: Why Heat Need to Close out Thunder in Miami

With all eyes focused on LeBron James and the Miami Heat for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, this team needs to make sure that it doesn't get complacent against a still-dangerous Oklahoma City squad fighting for its life. 

If you would have told the Heat before the series they would be up 3-1 with a chance to close out the series on their floor, they would have signed up for that in a heartbeat. However, now is not the time to take the foot off the gas pedal. 

This is supposed to be Miami's time. The Heat were not getting a lot of love coming into the series, with the Thunder being talked about as the next great dynasty, yet here they are one victory away from a championship. 

Losing a home game with a chance to close out the NBA Finals is the kind of thing this Heat team could let fester the rest of the series. James has been a man on a mission this series, and should have silenced all of his critics by now—but we know that isn't going to happen because people will hate just to hate. 

But there are other factors that make this as much of a must-win game for the Heat as it is the Thunder. For starters, look at the difference between Miami at home versus on the road. This season, including the playoffs, Miami has put together a 38-7 record at American Airlines Arena. 

Away from South Beach, the Heat are a pedestrian 23-20. They would have two chances to win one game in Oklahoma City if it comes to that, but why risk it? Particularly with the Thunder going 35-8 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. 

If this series goes back to Oklahoma City, those fans are going to be as loud and raucous as they have ever been. The Thunder, more than any other team in the NBA, feed off the fans in their arena. 

Being up 3-1 is supposed to take all the pressure off your shoulders, yet you can just feel what would happen to the Heat if they let Game 5 slip through their fingers. Now is the time for the Heat to start making good on their promise of not five, not six, not seven championships, and it must happen at home. 

Follow @adamwells1985