Oklahoma City Thunder own the fourth quarter to defeat Miami Heat in Game 1 of NBA Finals: Part 2
Oklahoma City Thunder started the final period with 4 straight points to extend their lead to 78-73 as Miami missed their first three shots of the quarter.
A three point play by Dwyane Wade had the Miami Heat down by three only, but Kevin Durant replied with a dunk to extend the Thunder lead back to 5. Durant took over the final period, scoring seven straight Thunder points including
a three pointer to give them a 91-83 lead. Miami missed 4 shots in the process.
A driving bank shot and one play by LeBron James had the Heat trailing 92-97 with 1:38 left in the game, giving the Heat a fighting chance.
However, the Thunder have mastered the art of closing games this post season and gave yet another display of nerves, composure and patience. They scored 6 straight points and tightened up on defense, forcing the Heat to miss a
three point shot, commit a turnover and two fouls while remaining scoreless throughout that period . The result was that OKC gained a decisive 103-92 lead with only 29 seconds left and eventually won the game 105-94.
The Thunder outscored the Heat 31-21 in the final period to seal the victory. The main difference in the fourth quarter was Kevin Durant once again. After scoring 19 points in the first 3 periods, Durant scored 17 in the final
period alone and took the game out of the hands of the Miami Heat. He was well assisted by Russell Westbrook, who made crucial plays as the ball distributor and had 18 points in the second half.
On the other hand, the Miami team lost its momentum in the final quarter after playing so well in the first half. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade both ended up with 7 points in the final period when their team needed them the most.
Durant finished the game with 36 points, another 30 plus point game for him this postseason. He was 12 of 20 from the field, 4 of 8 from the distance and 8 of 9 from the foul line, as he demonstrated a complete game by nailing
jump shots and also driving into the lane for dunks and layups and getting fouled in the process. He also added 8 rebounds and 4 assists and turned in an MVP performance.
Russell Westbrook struggled in the first half and started the game going 3 of 10 from the field. However, he came back in the second half, scoring 18 points in the third and fourth periods to finish with 27 points and 11 assists.
He also had 8 rebounds, just 2 shy of a triple double.
Serge Ibaka had 10 points and 6 rebounds, going 5 of 10 from the field. Thabo Sefolosha had 9 points and 2 steals as he did the majority of his work on the defensive end.
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