The Miami Heat have tied up the NBA Finals with a 109-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Dwyane Wade had a throwback performance after struggling through the Finals, scoring 32 points. LeBron James added 33 points and Chris Bosh added 20 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
Wade didn't just score, though. He also grabbed six rebounds, had six steals and a blocked shot. His transition dunk after stealing the ball at the 8:17 mark in the fourth quarter put the exclamation point on his breakout performance. Wade scored eight straight points in the fourth as the Heat's lead grew through the fourth quarter.
James cashed in on his promise to play better than he did in Game 3. He shot an efficient 15-for-25 from the field and also tallied 11 rebounds, two blocks and four assists. His three-point field goal with 22 seconds left in the game put the cherry on top for a statement game from Miami.
Miami's defense actively shifted with San Antonio and did a good job of minimizing the Spurs' open looks. Bosh's stat line was effective, but his work as Miami's defensive anchor under the rim was also excellent. He finished the night with two blocks.
The Spurs turned the ball over 18 times, as Miami's defense pressured ball-handlers, stripped the ball in the paint and intercepted passes by playing the Spurs' passing lanes.
Tony Parker scored 15 points and dished out nine assists, but his injured hamstring acted up in the fourth quarter. He had a big first half, but did not score in the second. Manu Ginobili had a rough night, making only one field goal and struggling defensively. Tim Duncan had a team-high 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
Tied at two games a piece, the series is now a best of three. Game 5 is Sunday in San Antonio.
Let's see how the three keys to the game that Rodger Sherman examined played out.
Do we see LeBron James? Like, the real LeBron James?
The "real" LeBron James -- the 2013 Most Valuable Player -- was on the floor for Miami in Game 4. He attacked the rim in transition, picked his spots from mid-range and was not the passive player that struggled in Game 3.
Will random players' hands continue to be covered in flaming embers?
The Spurs did not have an encore performance of their historic Game 3 shooting performance. Miami's defense was much better at defending perimeter players and minimized the open-looks they gave up.
Can Miami clean up their own glass?
Miami finished Game 4 with five more rebounds than the Spurs. The Heat didn't give up an offensive rebound in the first half, and only gave up five offensive rebounds total. Miami's work on the glass was a key in the Heat's Game 4 victory.
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