Game 4 - The Series' Classic (Wiggum7534)

Game 4 – The Series’ Classic

The Miami Heat have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat have shown, at times, how incredibly good they can be when they have their game going. They have also shown, at times, how incredibly ordinary they can be when it is not.

As we head into Game 4 (Wednesday morning 11am AEST), one wonders whether we are set for yet another classic Game 4 that the NBA Finals has so consistently provided over the years. Over the past 30 years, the NBA Finals has produced some sensational game 4 classics such as:

1984 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A game after calling his team mates sissies, Larry Bird and the Celtics come out hard against the Lakers, eventually winning the game in double overtime. This game famous for so many reasons including Bird’s 29 pts, 21 reb performance, Magic’s mental meltdown, Cedric Maxwell symbolizing James Worthy’s choking at the foul line to name a few. It is perhaps most famous for Kevin McHale’s clothesline of Kurt Rambis that nearly resulted in an all-in brawl. Definitely one of the best games of all-time.

1985 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A rematch of 1984, the Lakers and Celtics played another classic. The first year of the 2-3-2 format, Lakers took a 2-1 lead heading into the game. But Larry Bird and the Celtics would again prevail, this time thanks to Dennis Johnson’s buzzer beater from the top of the key.

1987 – L.A Lakers at Boston
Another incredible game between these two champion teams. The Celtics led by 16 in the 3rd, only for the Lakers to mount an incredible comeback. This time, Magic would prevail with his gorgeous running skyhook that put the Lakers up for good. Bird had one more chance to win it, but it missed.

1993 – Phoenix at Chicago
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley put in incredible performances in game 4 as the Bulls took a 3-1 series lead. MJ finished with 55 pts while Sir Charles put up 32 pts, 12 reb, 10 ast for the Suns.

2000 – L.A Lakers at Indiana
An overtime classic that elevated Kobe Bryant to superstar status following his three huge shots in overtime. Shaq fouled out in overtime, leaving it to Kobe to carry the Lakers to victory.

2008 – Boston at L.A Lakers
After jumping out to a 35-14 lead after the 1st, the Lakers led by as many as 24 points. However the new look Celtics would not be denied, mounting the largest comeback in the finals since 1971. An incredible game that gave the Celtics a 3-1 series lead.

So back to 2011 and given the two teams involved, I’m set for just about anything. I would be happy with a comfortable win for the Heat, and a 3-1 series lead, but would quite happily settle for a triple-OT classic!