He isn’t quite Chauncey Billups but Mario Chalmers is becoming “Mr. Big Shot” in this NBA Finals.
Chalmers who only scored three points in game three tied a career playoff high with 25 points Tuesday night helping the Heat take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
LeBron James who sat the remaining seconds of the game due to severe cramps finished with 26 points 12 rebounds and 9 assists in the 104-98 win.
“He was hurting,” teammate Dwyane Wade said. “But that’s what it’s about this time of the year. It would hurt more if we lose the ballgame, so it feels a little better if you can win it.”
After being outscored 33-19 in the first quarter the Heat weathered the storm and used a 10-0 run with some big shots from rookie Norris Cole to get right back in contention.
Russell Westbrook scored 43 points for the Thunder followed by Kevin Durant’s 28.
“My performance really means nothing when we lose, we have to get it done Thursday,” Westbrook said.
The reigning sixth man of the year James Harden finished with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting and four turnovers.
“I’ll just get back in the gym tomorrow and play better in game five,” Harden said post game.
With the scored tied 94-94 James hit a pull up three to give the Heat a 97-94 lead and they would never look back.
“That 3 was just sheer will and competitiveness, he played amazing down the stretch even with the cramps,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
For the first time in James’ career he is 48 minutes away from being able to call himself a champion.
Game five is Thursday in Miami, tip off set for 9pm.
