Miami Heat vs. OKC Thunder: Most Exciting Matchups to Watch in Finals Rematch

Tonight’s finals rematch between two of the NBA’s top teams, the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, will have a playoff atmosphere surrounding it.

The defending champions have retooled their bench by adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis in an effort to repeat and build a dynasty.  Kevin Durant and the Thunder will attempt to prove they can hang with the champions after losing in the finals and earlier in the season.

Someone should post a photo of the smile on David Stern’s face, as I’m sure he’s smiling when thinking about the rating this matchup delivers.

LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant

One can only hope Durant ate his Wheaties this morning in preparation for tonight’s defensive assignment.  

Durant will attempt to guard the reigning NBA Finals MVP, who has been dropping buckets at a record-setting level in the past six games.  LeBron James is averaging 30.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 71.7 percent from the field, earning most of his points in the paint.

But LeBron isn’t the only one ballin’ out of control.

Durant, the three-time defending scoring champion, continues to improve his overall game this season.  Durant is averaging a career-high 51.9 percent from the field, 43.2 percent from beyond the arc and 90.4 from the charity stripe.  Earlier this season, Durant scored 33 points on James in a losing effort against Miami. 

These good friends should duke it out while attempting to one up each other.

Dwyane Wade vs. Russell Westbrook

Which Westbrook will the Thunder and Heat get tonight? 

The young all-star, who’s known for his uncontrollable temper, is liable to have a bad night, and Dwayne Wade and the Heat will seek to exploit his shooting inefficiency.  In their last matchup, Westbrook shot 26.3 percent, scoring 21 points on 19 shots in a loss.  Westbrook will not have Harden to rely on when he’s having a bad shooting night, and the Thunder will need him to relieve some of the pressure from Durant.

While the chosen one continues to scorch teams this season, Wade isn’t been far behind.  While often injured and missing games, Wade is finally healthy and playing at a high level.  Westbrook will be in charge of slowing down Wade, who’s averaging around 25 points per game in the latest Heat six-game winning streak.

These two teams could easily face-off in the NBA Finals this season and build a rivalry similar to the Lakers versus Celtics in the 80’s.