First Round, Perkins scored 13 points, six rebounds, and a block in a 102–99 win against the Mavericks. The team ended up sweeping the Mavericks in four games. They then played the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Semifinals. On May 18, 2012, during Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals, Perkins had six points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and four blocks in a 99–96 loss against the Lakers. The Thunder ended up defeating the Lakers in five games. They moved on to the Conference Finals where they faced the San Antonio Spurs. On June 2, 2012, during Game 4 of the Conference Finals, Perkins scored 15 points, while getting nine rebounds, one assist, and one block in a 109–103 win against the Spurs. The team defeated the Spurs in six games. Perkins and the Thunder reached the NBA Finals where they played the Big 3–led Miami Heat. On June 17, 2012, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Perkins got his first and only double-double of the playoffs, getting 10 points, 12 rebounds, and a block in a 91–85 loss against the Heat. The Thunder couldn't get past the Heat, as they were eliminated in five games. This was Perkins's third trip to the NBA Finals. The other two trips were with the Boston Celtics back in 2008 and 2010. Perkins averaged 4.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in the playoffs. 2012–13 season Perkins began the 2012–13 NBA season getting two points, six rebounds, two assists, and a block in an 86–84 loss against the Spurs. On November 9, 2012, Perkins dished a career-high tying six assists, and also had nine points, four rebounds, and a steal in a 105–94 win against the Detroit Pistons. On February 8, 2013, Perkins scored a season-high 17 points, along with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks in a 127–96 win against the Phoenix Suns. According to The Oklahoman, Perkins said this in response to his performance: "I'm just going to keep working. Guys are doubling Kevin (Durant) and Russ now, so I'm just trying to find the open spot. I've been watching a lot of film and going to the gym and working on my game. I'm just trying to find an open spot when they get doubled." On February 10, 2013, Perkins had a career-high tying three steals, as well as four rebounds, two