Miami Heat have closed to within a game of the NBA Championship after a 104-98 victory over Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the finals series at American Airlines Arena.
Star man Lebron James finished the game limping after suffering a leg injury, but still contributed 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, while Mario Chalmers was the surprise, with 25 points, including 12 in the final term. Dwyane Wade also added 25 points.
While for the defeated side, Russell Westbrook produced a stunning 43-point display but it wasn’t enough to get the Thunder across the line. Westbrook also made a huge error late in the contest, when he fouled in the dying seconds to effectively end his side’s fading hopes of winning.
Kevin Durant added 28 points, while sixth-man James Harden had a day to forget with just eight points, missing several key shots.
However, for the victors, there was concern about James’ injury, however he revealed it was just cramps and said he’s confident he’d be ready for Thursday’s Game Five which could decide the series.
“I knew I probably wasn’t going to be able to finish the game,” James said. “I knew I wasn’t injured. I just had cramps. I have had it before. I tried to walk but my legs weren’t letting me move.
“Between now and game five I will just try to rehydrate. I will be ready for game five. Hopefully I can stay hydrated and it doesn’t happen again.”