clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Heat Outlast Thunder- Win 98-93

By Mnelik
April 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE
April 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat went to battle Wednesday, in what many believed was a MVP duel between Kevin Durant and Lebron James.

The game was chippy early, with a flagrant foul on Russell Westbrook and a technical foul on Kendrick Perkins in the 2nd quarter. The Heat would sport a 50-49 lead at the break, lead by 23 first half points from LeBron James.

Erik Spoelstra started Ronny Turiaf over Joel Anthony for the 2nd game in a row but they both were relatively quite on the night.

With Chris Bosh struggling early, going just 1-6 in the 1st half , the Heat would play small ball with Udonis Haslem and Lebron James in the frontcourt.

The Heat would take a 88-83 lead midway through the 4th quarter, off back to back 3-point baskets from Shane Battier.

Lebron James and the Heat continued to be the aggressors throughout, attacking the basket and going 26-29 at the freethrow line as a team.

James played a brilliant game on both ends of the floor and carried the Heat offensively. He finished with 34 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals.

Chris Bosh was absent for the most of the game, scoring 12 points on 4-14 shooting but hit a key jumper late to give Miami a 3 point lead.

The Thunder shot a perfect 18-18 from the line until Kendrick Perkins missed two key free throws late which could have brought Oklahoma within in 1.

Kevin Durant finished with a team high 30 points but missed a turn around shot with 1:30 left and the game tying 3-pointer. Durant shot 11-21 from the field but committed a career high 9 turnovers in the loss.

Dwyane Wade struggled to find his rhythm against the Thunder, finishing with 19 points on just 7-18 shooting.

Game Notes

  • The Miami Heat won their 17th consecutive game at home
  • Thunder lost their 2nd consecutive game for the1st time this season
  • The Heat and Thunder are now 1-1 on the season series
  • Russell Westbrook shot just 9-26
  • The Heat shot just 37% for the game
  • Thunder committed 18 turnovers
  • Heat now tied with Thunder in the loss column

More From Hot Hot Hoops