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2012 NBA Finals, Thunder Vs. Heat Game 2: OKC Rally Falls Short In 100-96 Defeat

In Game 1, the Thunder used a dominating fourth quarter to cruise to a victory over the Heat. In Game 2, Oklahoma City used another strong fourth quarter to cut a deficit, but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 100-96.

The series is evened up at one game apiece and shifts to Miami for the next three games.

OKC entered the fourth quarter trailing 78-67, but chipped away in the final period. When Thunder cut the deficit to three points with 1:47 to go, the Heat answered with a bank shot from LeBron James and dunk from Chris Bosh to up the lead back to seven with 53 seconds left.

But it wasn't over. Kevin Durant scored on a drive and the Thunder stole the ball, leading to a Durant three-pointer that cut it to a two-point game with 37 seconds left. James missed a quick three and OKC had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead. Durant appeared to be fouled on a baseline shot attempt, but no foul was called (see video below). James hit two free throws and iced the game.

Durant finished with 32 points. He made his first seven shots of the second half and scored 16 points in the fourth quarter. Russell Westbrook scored 27 points on 10-for-25 shooting. James Harden was the only other Thunder player in double figures, scoring 21. James led Miami with 32 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists. He went 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. Dwyane Wade scored 24, while Chris Bosh had 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Was Durant fouled? You be the judge. Durant had the benefit of a questionable blocking foul that would have been his sixth, so maybe it evens out.

For more on the 2012 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat, check out Welcome To Loud City and Peninsula Is Mightier. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.