I think it was just the Heat's year. They had some very "non-normal" things going on with all the players. No way to ignore that at all. There were 3 very close games which ultimately decided the series and took the Thunder out of the game. Even last night they were doing good, but the amount of 3's that feel for the Heat was just crazy.
As for the Thunder's future. I don't think it will that long. 2-3 before their first tops, if that long. The West will not have much to stand in their way to be honest. The Lakers maybe? RW is playing out of position so he will have a learning curve, but it won't take that long. I would like to see them move him to the 2 spot, but I'm ok with him at 1.