Miami Heat have won Game Three of the NBA Finals series 91-85 over Oklahoma City Thunder to go 2-1 up, after OKC had a regrettable final minute and a half.
LeBron James scored 29 points as well as 14 rebounds, while Dwyane Wade added 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, but it could have been different for OKC, who fluffed their chances late on having to closed to within a point with 90 seconds to go.
Kevin Durant’s foul trouble also harmed their chances, but he was guilty of a late miss, while Russell Westbrook also burned two late opportunities having helped his side close to 86-85.
OKC coach Scott Brooks admitted his side, particularly Durant, needed to improve their defence to avoid fouls.
“We have to do a better job defending them without fouling,” he said. “Kevin is an aggressive player. I’d like to see him keep attacking, and hopefully he can get to the free-throw line himself.”
Durant said he needed to learn from his mistakes and improve as the series goes on.
“I’m just trying to play aggressive on both ends, and unfortunately I’m getting some fouls called on me,” Durant said. “But I’ve got to play through it. Two games in a row, man, so I’ve just go to play smarter next game.”
He added: “It was frustrating. You know, I hate sitting on the bench, especially with fouls. Just got to do better the next game.”
As for his side’s missed opportunities, Durant continued: “We missed some shots. But we put ourselves in position to win.”