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Thunder Drops Game 3 to Heat

Big mistakes result in 91-85 Thunder loss

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 18, 2012 2:30 AM CDT

(AP) – The lead was 10, the building was quiet, it was late in the third quarter, and the Oklahoma City Thunder were on the cusp of grabbing command of the NBA Finals again. Then the mistakes started. Soon, it was the Miami Heat taking the lead in this championship series—and ensuring the Thunder would spend two days with the memories of so many things going wrong at the wrong times.

A night of missed free throws, more foul trouble for Kevin Durant, wasted opportunities in critical situations, and one dreadful stretch to end the third quarter all added up to a loss for the Thunder yesterday, falling 91-85 to the Heat in Game 3 of the finals. Miami now leads the best-of-seven championship series 2-1, with Game 4 back on its floor tomorrow night. "I thought we gave ourselves a chance to win," says Thunder coach Scott Brookes. But "the game was basically anybody's ballgame that fourth quarter." Click for more game details.
Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on during the first half at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on during the first half at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.   (Lynne Sladky)
Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Game 3 of the NBA Finals Sunday, June 17, 2012, in Miami.
Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Game 3 of the NBA Finals Sunday, June 17, 2012, in Miami.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Oklahoma City Thunder Russell Westbrook gets a shot off against the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Russell Westbrook gets a shot off against the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals game.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Ghille
Jun 18, 2012 12:26 PM CDT
This is more a question than a comment, although it is also a comment on the times. As a kid (admittedly, in the dark ages!) There were three distinct sports "seasons" ...Baseball from May to September, football August/September thru January, and basketball from November thru April. Why are we still having "playoffs" in June for this "winter" sport?  Could it be.....uhhhhhh.... to soak more money out of the public? K...I admit also...I have never _never_ been a fan of the organized athletics produced for the masses.  Seems to just promote those blessed with physical prowess over the intellectual.  Look at any college and see which students are there because of their brains, not their brawn! .....just saying....I'll put my soapbox away now. Go Pack! (might get kicked out of the state if I don't add that!)

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NBA • Kevin Durant • basketball • Miami Heat • NBA finals • Oklahoma City Thunder • Scott Brookes

 
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