Kevin Durant, Thunder Top Heat; Take Game 1 of NBA Finals
2012 NBA Finals
Oklahoma City, OKC
Kevin Durant scored 17 points in the fourth period as the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back en route to a 105-94 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Durant finished with 36 points on 12-for-20 shooting as he outdueled LeBron James, the league's reigning MVP.
The three-time scoring champ Durant had 19 points entering the decisive final period, where the Thunder outscored Miami 31-21.
Durant, who had the unenviable task of containing James for the first three quarters, was 12 of 20 from the field, 4 of 8 from three-point range and 8 of 9 from the charity stripe. James scored 23 points on 18 shots while being shadowed by Durant.
It was another sterling performance for Durant, who added eight rebounds, four assists, a blocked shot and committed only two turnovers.
Durant led the Thunder back from a 13-point second-quarter deficit and a seven-point hole at the half. Miami took a 54-47 lead at intermission.
Oklahoma City pulled away in the second half with Durant and Russell Westbrook combining to outscore the entire Heat team 41-40 over that span.
Westbrook brushed aside a tentative start and finished with 27 points 11 assists and eight boards as the young Thunder overwhelmed the Heat who wore down and faded in crunch time.
Oklahoma City blitzed the Heat, who were supposed to have the benefit of experience with its cache of veterans and loads of talent, 24-4 in fast-break points. Miami was also out-rebounded 43-35 and gave up 56 points in the paint.
James, who was expected to replicate the domination he displayed in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, managed only seven points in the fourth quarter, while being guarded by Thunder defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha.
James led Miami with 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Dwyane Wade was 7 of 19 from the field for 19 points. Shane Battier provided support by scoring 17 on 6 of 9 shooting.
Kevin Durant, Thunder Top Heat; Take Game 1 of NBA Finals
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