Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder: NBA Finals Game 1 live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Scotty Barby, 13 Jun 2012 Scotty Barby is a Roar Guru
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Miami Heat's LeBron James is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant. AP Photo/El Nuevo Herald, David Santiago
In a season of unpredictability the 2012 NBA Finals will be contested between the two best teams: the surging Oklahoma City Thunder and a Miami Heat team returning to the Finals stage after 2011′s defeat. Join us from 11am AEST for live commentary and scores.
The Heat trio of individual talent in LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh wasn’t enough to overcome a gritty 2011 Dallas Mavericks team led by goofy sharp shooter Dirk Nowitzki.
Did the Heat’s big three learn enough from last years finals to overcome Oklahoma’s younger, less accomplished three-headed monster in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden?
Well today we find out in Game 1 of what promises to be a flip of a coin seven game series.
The beauty of the opening game in a Playoff series is that we have little idea of what to expect. Will LeBron look to takeover early in a bid to make up for his virtual absence in the 2011 Finals? Will the inexperienced Thunder get off to a shaky start on the biggest stage and fall behind early?
Will Russell Westbrook fail to appease the erratic “shoot first” Demon which often possesses his mindset and derail the Thunder’s Championship aspirations? Will Kevin Durant leave this series as the undisputed best player in the World? Will Dwyane Wade show up in what has been a sub-par playoffs by his usual high standards?
Will Chris Bosh cry? Ok, either way Chris Bosh will definitely cry.
Outside of Bosh, I believe only two things are certain in this series. James Harden will have a beard and both fanbases will complain that the referees “suck”.
Outside of the inevitable referee home cooking, who will have the advantage in Game 1? Both teams rank inside the league’s Top 10 for defense and Top 5 for offense. In previous meetings, the two teams split the regular season 1-1, with the home side victorious on each occasion.
In most facets, comparing Oklahoma and Miami by the numbers is like being stuck in a maze of mirrors.
Among the mirrors is one area which stands out more than the others, each teams ability to defend their own house. The Miami Heat have a home record of 35-6, the Thunder 33-7. On the road Miami are 21-19, Oklahoma 25-15. There’s a clear advantage to the home team no matter which way you cut it.
Outside of questionable road records, weaknesses for either side are harder to find than Mike Miller’s jumpshot. Only two areas stood out, points allowed and turnovers. When the Miami Heat allow 92 points or more, they possess a record of 23-19. When they register 15 or more turnovers, Miami are 21-14.
How does that impact the Thunder? In 40 games at home this year Oklahoma have averaged 105.3 points per game (2nd overall) and forced their opponent into 14.4 turnovers per game (13th overall).
Miami should be ok in terms of protecting the ball offensively, but they are going to have to dramatically step up their defense against the high powered OKC offense in order to limit the area which their win/loss record is most vulnerable.
As for the Thunder, their two key indicators of defeat were (surprise) identical to that of Miami’s. The Thunder are 20-18 when they allow the opposition to score more than 97 points. In road games this year Miami average 95.6 points per game (11th overall). When Oklahoma turn the ball over more than 16 times per game they are 22-14. In Heat road games this year, Miami’s opponents have average 16.7 turnovers per game (2nd most overall). When you combine Miami’s ability to force turnovers with Oklahoma having the 4th highest turnover rate in the NBA this year, Russell Westbrook becomes the most important individual on the floor. In the Postseason, Westbrook has limited his turnovers to 2.3 per game, down from nearly four in the regular season. Maintain that number and Oklahoma are all the more closer to victory.
My tip for Game 1? I’m siding with the home team, at least until we can make our way through the wall of mirrors. Although nobody would be at fault for aligning their allegiance with a coin flip.
Thunder Up.
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5:33pm
Nathan Beuman said | 5:33pm | Report comment
Once again LeBron goes missing in the 4th quarter of an important game. I would really like to see Oklahoma City win because they have such a young team and Durant is a freak of a player, but i also wouldn’t mind Miami win it all to get the monkey off his back. I didn’t like the whole way he handled “The Decision”, but still, he has to be the most critiqued athlete in the world. I think that once he wins his first title, some of the pressure will be released and he will find another level as a player.
Thank God that the Lakers, Mavs or San Antonio aren’t in it finals this year. Great to see 2 young exciting teams battling it out
6:50pm
Scotty Barby said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Agree with your last statement 100%. It’s such a breath of fresh air having a new face from the Western Conference in the Finals. Hopefully OKC can keep this core together for years to come and create a dynasty. They’re exciting to watch and they play hard.
I thought LeBron was ok in the 4th quarter today. Sure, he definitely could have done more but he gets a pass in my book. Although I would have liked to see him lead from the front and guard Durant in the 4th quarter. I agree that “The Decision” argument, although still warranted, has grown a touch stale. I couldn’t really care about LeBron’s past, I’m here to judge him on this series. Going 0 for 3 in the Finals will definitely hurt his legacy though, and he really has no excuse.
The Thunder won a lot more than just the game today. They now have confidence, the belief and they know how to defeat Miami. With minimal help from James Harden they still managed to pull out the win. OKC have some obvious areas to improve on, but what about the Heat? Apart from Wade playing a consistent 4 quarters, where does their improvement come from?
I hope coach Spoelstra has the answers…
7:11pm
Nathan Beuman said | 7:11pm | Report comment
They really need to cut down on turnovers. I suppose the fast pace they work at they are bound to make some. Shane Battier and Miami was locked in from 3 in the first half but it all just crumbled after the break.
Game 2 will be huge. If Miami can somehow manage to silence the OKC crowd and get the W, they will have a bit upper hand before going home for Game 3 & 4, but if the Thunder are 2-0, its going to be a massive mountain to overcome. Oklahoma City is a completely different monster to Boston. They be down 3-2 and expect to come back and win.
Who are you predicting for the series? You going for Miami?
Watching Sportscenter now and something that really has to change is this facination all players seen to have with wearing glasses during post-game press conferences. I’m all for Westbrooks shirts but glasses with no lenses? haha.
10:19pm
Scotty Barby said | 10:19pm | Report comment
Ha, the glasses with no lenses fad is one of the strangest things I’ve ever seen. Westbrook is definitely a strange unit when it comes to the wardrobe.
For the Finals the league adopts the 2-3-2 format, so the Heat will have numerous chances to either save the series, or regain the upper hand with back-to-back-to-back games at home.
I’m sticking with Oklahoma in 7 games. I think this one goes the distance with home court the key. From what I saw today, the Thunder have more room for improvement than the Heat, although Miami still has a few aces up the sleeve with matchup changes and bringing Bosh into the starting lineup.
Miami are more than capable of stealing Game 2, and if they do so the pressure will swing back on OKC.
Game 2 could very well be the most important game of the series.
10:43pm
Nathan Beuman said | 10:43pm | Report comment
At least he keeps it interesting. A hell of a lot more entertaining then Gregg Popovich’s half time interviews. Complete waste of time, you can tell none of the players want to be there, they just come off as rude and arrogant.
Oh yeah it is to. I preferred the the 2-2-1-1-1 format but its still a lot better then just a 1 off game.
I hate how Game 2 is Friday and Game 3 is Monday. Completely bypasses our weekend haha.
10:51pm
Scotty Barby said | 10:51pm | Report comment
That was the first thing I noticed when the schedules were released, every game is a weekday for us. The cycle of games is Monday-Wednesday-Friday our time, it really couldn’t be any worse.
Probably the one blemish of the NBA Finals this year.
1:57pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:57pm | Report comment
That concludes Game 1 of the NBA finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking a 1-0 advantage into Thursday nights Game 2 (Friday morning AEST).
Follow all the action with us again at 11am Friday morning to see if Miami can level the series, or will the Thunder take a commanding 2-0 lead back to South Beach?
Either way, there’s still a helluva lot of basketball left in this one!
1:54pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:54pm | Report comment
Key Individual output:
OKC
Kevin Durant: 36 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 12/20 FGM-A, 4/8 3PM-A
Russell Westbrook: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists (2 turnovers). 10/24 FGM-A
Nick Collison: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 4/5 FGM-A
Miami
LeBron James: 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 11/24 FGM-A
Dwyane Wade: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 7/19 FGM-A
Shane Battier:17 points, 4 rebounds, 6/9 FGM-A, 4/6 3PM-A
1:49pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:49pm | Report comment
OKC Field Goal Selection
Layups: 16-26
Jumpers: 16-44
Dunks: 8-8
Scoring Breakdown
FGs: 40-77
3FG: 5-17
FT: 20-27
Miami Field Goal Selection
Layups: 11-18
Jumpers: 22-57
Dunks: 3-3
Scoring Breakdown
FGs: 36-78
3FG: 8-19
FT: 14-18
OKC scored their points inside, as opposed to Miami who relied on outside shooting.
OKC would finish +8 in rebounds, +2 in assists and break even on turnovers (10-10).
They key was Oklahoma and especially Russell Westbrook’s ability to protect the ball in the 2nd half, where they produced just 2 turnovers.
1:45pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:45pm | Report comment
Durant: “It’s a team game, everybody has to stick together”
This was the key for OKC in the 2nd half, as they shut down Miami’s 3 point threat and stepped up the team defense with Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison leading the way.
From their it was all up to Kevin Durant to close, and he did so in impressive fashion, finished with 17 points in the 4th quarter.
1:41pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:41pm | Report comment
Make Miller enters for some stat padding points.
Durant fouled and heads to the line as he’s showered in “MVP!” chants from the adoring Thunder fans.
That’s all folks!
Oklahoma City win 105-94
1:39pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:39pm | Report comment
Westbrook finds Collison for the statement jam!
Shut the door! This one is all over.
Oklahoma will take a 1-0 lead in the best of 7 series.
29 seconds remain, OKC lead 103-92
1:39pm
KiwiDave said | 1:39pm | Report comment
This game is over. Fantastic win by the thunder. The Durantula is a star. Westbrook looked a little rusty early but almost notched a triple double. Harden was awful all night which means a lot of room for improvement in the Thunder still. Great teams overcome deficits like they did. Down by 15 and I never had any doubt they would pull the game back. If it was Miami down 15 I would have said game over though.
2:04pm
Scotty Barby said | 2:04pm | Report comment
Despite being down early, the Thunder were still shooting the ball at 56% at half time. I think a lot of it was just a matter of staying calm and playing their way through the initial nerves. Their second half was Championship basketball at its finest. Westbrook set the tone offensively by getting to the hoop, Durant sealed the deal and again confirmed that he’s the best closer in basketball.
I can’t wait to see how Miami respond in game 2. Dwyane Wade needs to bring more to the table, he was non-existent (again) in the first half. They had the Thunder in trouble early and failed to cash in to the degree they should have.
Great opening game in what looks to be a great finals series. Bring on game 2!
1:37pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:37pm | Report comment
Sefolosha makes both free throws.
The Thunder lead is now 9 with just 44 seconds to play.
Miami ball.
It’s about to rain contested three’s.
1:35pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:35pm | Report comment
Durant now with 34 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
LeBron matching his output with 30 points 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
What a spectacle!
99-92 OKC, 44.5 seconds left as Sefolosha goes to the line
1:33pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:33pm | Report comment
Durant the scorer becomes Durant the playmaker!
KD finds Collison with a great pass and an open dunk!
Under a minute left, 99-92 OKC as the intentional foul party begins
1:36pm
Alistair Hogg said | 1:36pm | Report comment
Well blogged Scotty. Good coverage and pretty much the ideal start for Oklahoma City (however you really need to win game one at home in the Finals). If they can repeat the dose on Thursday (Friday for us), they can go to Miami and look for a split. I fear for the Heat if they return to Florida down 0-2.
No locker room dance parties tonight.
1:39pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:39pm | Report comment
OKC started slow as many expected and looked rather nervous outside of Durant.
The three ball dried up for Miami and the Thunder’s defense turned elite.
Credit to Collison and Sefolosha, Durant the perfect closer.
1:33pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:33pm | Report comment
Westbrook answers with a fallaway in the lane!
LeBron scores a layup, and is fouled!
FT is good, 30 points now for LeBron.
97-92 OKC, 1:20 remains
1:31pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:31pm | Report comment
Wade with a pretty floater in the lane,
95-89 OKC, under 2 minutes to play
1:31pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:31pm | Report comment
LeBron gambles on a steal unsuccessfully allowing Durant to drive the line, Battier fouls.
Durant hits both FT’s,
95-87 OKC, 2:29 left
1:29pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:29pm | Report comment
I’d expect LeBron or Wade to enter bowling ball mode and barrel their way to the rim on the Heat’s next offensive set.
No need to force long jumpers just yet. They’ve been cold from deep in this entire 2nd half anyway, with their field goal percentage down to 44%.
For OKC it’s as simple as getting the ball in Durant’s hands and letting him close.
OKC’s #35 has been unconscious in the 4th quarter with 15 points.
93-87 Oklahoma, 2:44 to play
1:26pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:26pm | Report comment
Dwyane Wade hits the outside jumper to quiet the crowd, Miami not done yet!
Within 8, 2:44 left on the clock.
It’s all about getting defensive stops now.
1:24pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:24pm | Report comment
Durant again! He’s up to 13 points in this quarter alone.
Greatness before our eyes!
Thunder pulling way, now leading 91-83 with 4 minutes remaining.
1:23pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:23pm | Report comment
I’d love to see LeBron come out and guard Durant coming out of this timeout.
1:22pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:22pm | Report comment
Like we were all hoping, Kevin Durant has taken over offensively in the 4th quarter and is now up to 30 points on 11-18 shooting.
The only thing being more aggressive than Durant right now is LeBron’s receding hairline.
89-84 OKC, under 5 minutes remaining.
1:22pm
Alistair Hogg said | 1:22pm | Report comment
Home crowd to carry them home from here.
1:25pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:25pm | Report comment
They’ve been huge all night.
Lead is now out to 10, this could be all over.
1:19pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:19pm | Report comment
Durant hits the big 3!
He’s now up to 28 points.
Bosh answers with an open jumper.
End to end action!
87-83 OKC, 6 minutes to play.
1:18pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:18pm | Report comment
Westbrook gets the lucky role and adds 2 more.
LeBron comes down the other end and gets the And-1 in traffic!
84-81 OKC, 7 minutes to play
1:16pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:16pm | Report comment
Durant with the huge fast break dunk!
It’s almost time to hit the panic button for the Heat.
Still plenty of time remaining though!
1:14pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:14pm | Report comment
After missing 7 straight shots, Wade takes it to the hole for the layup and-1!
The OKC crowd want blood after what looked to be a questionable call at best.
80-76 Thunder, 9 minutes remaining
1:10pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:10pm | Report comment
A lack of urgency defensively and critical turnovers have killed Miami in the 2nd half.
OKC dominating on the fast break, outscoring Miami 20-4!
1:08pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:08pm | Report comment
OKC land the first puch in the fourth quarter, Collison and Sefolosha combining for some great offensive/defensive plays.
The Thunder are now out to a 5 point lead with all eyes on LeBron James.
78-73 Thunder, 10:11 to play fourth quarter.
1:05pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:05pm | Report comment
LeBron James leads all scorers with 23 points, Westbrook close behind with 21 and Kevin Durant 19.
Dwyane Wade is yet to have a scoring impact, he has just 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting.
1:00pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:00pm | Report comment
Westbrook to the Hoop, AND-ONE!
Westbrook converts the free throw and OKC take their first lead of the night!
The crowd are on their feet!
74-73 Oklahoma, as we head to the final quarter.
1:04pm
Alistair Hogg said | 1:04pm | Report comment
I asked LeBron if he could change a dollar, but he only gave me 75 cents because he doesn’t have a fourth quarter LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
1:06pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:06pm | Report comment
I hope you just jinxed LeBron into a 30 point quarter.
12:58pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:58pm | Report comment
James Harden has really struggled today as he picks up his 4th personal foul and heads to the bench.
Just 5 points and 3 assists on 2-for-6 shooting for the Bearded one.
73-71 Miami, 1 minute to play 3rd quarter.
1:00pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 1:00pm | Report comment
OK have come back. 74-73 thunder
1:03pm
Scotty Barby said | 1:03pm | Report comment
The Thunder really turned things around that quarter which was primarily due to their desire to get to the rim instead of settling for jump shots.
18 of Oklahoma’s 28 made field goals have via the paint.
OKC now possess the free throw advantage and limited themselves to just one turnovers that quarter.
12:52pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:52pm | Report comment
Fun stat: Shane Battier has matched Kevin Durant point-for-point thus far.
On a serious note, this game couldn’t be any closer numbers wise.
Rebounds and assists are equal, with every other major stat category marginally in favor of either team.
The difference has been outside shooting. Miami have made 61.5% for their three point attempts compared to 30.8% for the Thunder.
Someone page James Harden.
71-66 Heat, 2:57 to play 3rd quarter.
12:47pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:47pm | Report comment
The well has dried up for both teams in the third quarter who are now shooting below 50%.
Defense has taken over, as Battier hits a tough three, his 4th for the game!
69-66 Miami, 3:57 to play 3rd quarter
12:52pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 12:52pm | Report comment
71-66 now.
I dont think OK can afford to let Miami get away with early runs …
12:55pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:55pm | Report comment
Westbrook keeping them close as he gets to the cup again.
Westbrook may be 0/7 on jump shots, but he’s 6/10 in the paint.
Great to see him being more assertive on the offensive end and not settle for the jumpshot.
12:42pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:42pm | Report comment
Durant penetrates and finds Sefolosha for a layup.
Tied game!
LeBron answers with a nifty left handed layup.
This one has gone up a notch!
12:37pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:37pm | Report comment
The Sefolosha Thunder force Miami to call a timeout.
OKC are on a 10-4 run to start the 3rd quarter, all thanks to hustle plays on defense.
Thabo Sefolosha has been the catalyst, with the rest of the team following his lead.
58-57 Miami, 7:48 to play 3rd quarter,
12:40pm
Alistair Hogg said | 12:40pm | Report comment
Thabo. The ultimate fantasy spot start when there was literally nobody else available. He won’t help much, but there’s not a single category he’ll harm you in!
12:44pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:44pm | Report comment
If you were allocated points for perimeter defense, Thabo would singlehandedly win you your league
12:33pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:33pm | Report comment
Great hustle by the Thunder and Sefolosha finds Westbrook with a prety no look pass for an open layup.
OKC have stepped up the defense.
58-55 Heat, 8:44 remains 3rd term.
12:29pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:29pm | Report comment
Durant kicks off the 3rd quarter with a huge three pointer, as the OKC crowd blows up ESPN’s decibel meter.
54-51 Miami, 11 minutes remain 3rd quarter.
12:27pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:27pm | Report comment
Dwyane Wade is shooting just 29% in the first half over his last 8 Playoff games.
He’s just 3-for-8 tonight with 6 points.
I expect him to take it up a notch in this second half.
12:25pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:25pm | Report comment
Magic Johnson sums the first half up by simply stating “LeBron does what LeBron does.”
I’m not exactly sure what he means, but I’m glad he’s here.
12:20pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:20pm | Report comment
As noted in the preview, the key in this one would be each teams ability to force turnovers and tough shots. Right now the Heat have just 4 turnovers, and are shooting the ball at a healthy 51% clip (60% from deep).
OKC have twice as many turnovers as the Heat (8-4), and are failing to capitalize at the free throw line (shooting just 50%). If they can improve on these areas in the second half and maintain their 56% field goal percentage, I’d expect them to force this one to the wire.
12:16pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:16pm | Report comment
LeBron misses a jumper at the buzzer and the lead remains at 7.
Miami lead 54-47 with the majority of production coming from outside their big 3.
LeBron leads all scorers with 14 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 steals to his usual buffet of a boxscore.
Battier and Chalmers have been great in support and were largely responsible for Miami’s quick start. They’ve combined for 23 points, including 5 three pointers.
For OKC Kevin Durant leads the way with 13 points, with Serge Ibaka contributing 10 points.
Westbrook and Harden have struggled early, combining for 5/15 from the field in that half.
12:18pm
Alistair Hogg said | 12:18pm | Report comment
So how many shots has Westbrook taken out of the hands of the NBA scoring leader?
12:22pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:22pm | Report comment
Westbrook has been solid with 6 assists and just the one turnover. His main problem has been from a shooting perspective. Westbrook is 0/5 on jump shots, all have been outside 12 feet. He needs to continue to pass the ball or get to the line.
The radar is off today.
12:08pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:08pm | Report comment
Double Technical on Battier and Westbrook, things are starting to get a little heated as the Heat lead is cut to 7.
54-47 Miami, 27 seconds until half time.
12:04pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:04pm | Report comment
Welcome back, Kevin…
Durant takes it strong to the cup and throws it down.
Bosh answers with a 3, the Heat’s hot shooting continues.
OKC need to step it up on the defensive end.
12:08pm
Tristan Rayner said | 12:08pm | Report comment
They are hot – luckily for OKC they will go cold, but the Thunder better hope it’s during this Finals series
12:11pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:11pm | Report comment
I’d be shocked if Miami can maintain these shooting percentages in the second half.
Brooks needs to make a few adjustments defensively, OKC are giving Miami too many open jumpers.
Intriguing game thus far, Miami would be ecstatic with this start.
12:01pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:01pm | Report comment
Great ploy from Coach Spoelstra to have LeBron and Battier switch bodies. It’s playing havoc with the Thunder.
“Battier” leads the Heat with 13 points.
Durant has been shut down completely, and hasn’t attempted a field goal this quarter.
Miami lead 47-37, 3 minutes out from half time.
12:03pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 12:03pm | Report comment
Where does Battier leading the scoring at halftime of a NBA final sit in your clubhouse list
12:06pm
Scotty Barby said | 12:06pm | Report comment
It’s right next to Fisher, I may need to re-evaluate at half time.
Who thought those names would be the main talking point this early in the Finals?
12:08pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 12:08pm | Report comment
James gets a basket, and Battier is pushed to second :Z
Lead is now seven, 54-47
11:56am
Scotty Barby said | 11:56am | Report comment
Right on cue, Russell Westbrook takes it strong to the bucket for the easy layup.
Miami have a 9 point advantage though, leading 41-32 with 5:31 remaining until half time.
11:49am
Scotty Barby said | 11:49am | Report comment
37 year old Derek Fisher just went coast to coast in the NBA Finals…
That’s now the leader in the clubhouse list of “things I never expected to see.”
Miami still lead 39-28, 7 minutes to play 2nd term.
11:52am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:52am | Report comment
Oklahoma City are six turnovers to Miami’s one.
Oklahoma are two from six in free throws, Miami four from four.
11:54am
Scotty Barby said | 11:54am | Report comment
It’s all fundamentals right now that are killing the Thunder.
Westbrook and Harden a combined 2/10 from the field.
They need to find a way to get those two involved.
11:47am
Tristan Rayner said | 11:47am | Report comment
It’s a worry that LeBron hasn’t done much, and that the Heat are 11 in front – make that 13 as I type 2 minutes into the second quarter. Thanks for the commentary Scotty, enjoying it.
11:49am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:49am | Report comment
Its only a worry if you thought the Heat were a three-man team
Battier 11 points with three threes, Chalmers eight points, Haslem eight rebounds.
11:52am
Scotty Barby said | 11:52am | Report comment
My pleasure Tristan, cheers for joining the conversation.
Agree on LeBron, Wade as well, both have been tentative offensively.
LeBron is 3/8 with 10 points, although he’s gone largely unnoticed.
Wade has 4 assists, I think getting the role players involved can only help the Heat.
Battier, Chalmers and Haslem have all been great
12:07pm
Tristan Rayner said | 12:07pm | Report comment
I’m worried for OKC, not for the Heat!
James seems as though he could explode at any time after the series against the Celtics.
11:43am
Scotty Barby said | 11:43am | Report comment
James Harden is now guarding LeBron James, and not just via coincidence…
Scotty Brooks Ladies and Gentleman!
11:38am
Scotty Barby said | 11:38am | Report comment
Leading Miami offensively is Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers, who have combined for 17 points, including 5 makes from three point range.
You read that correctly.
Durant carrying the Thunder with 11 points, 4/6 from the field, 2-3 from deep.
11:43am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:43am | Report comment
Haslem has been a rebounding machine as well, with six, two of them offensive.
11:47am
Scotty Barby said | 11:47am | Report comment
Nick Collison is right on his tail with five rebounds himself.
“HASLEM! COLLISON! IT’S THE 2012 NBA FINALS ON ESPN!”
11:36am
Scotty Barby said | 11:36am | Report comment
Harden hits a huge jumper, stumbling and all, to end the opening quarter.
Nice way to end what was a nervous start for the young Thunder.
Miami take a 29-22 advantage into the second quarter.
The difference thus far has been turnovers and the Heat’s ability to hit open shots.
Miami have just 1 turnover compared to OKC’s 4, with Perkins responsible for 3 of those.
You’d expect more from the Thunder’s big man, who has experience at this level from his time with Boston.
11:31am
Scotty Barby said | 11:31am | Report comment
Chalmers hits another Miami 3, wide open again.
Miami have been automatic from deep, Battier and Chalmers doing all the damage.
Derek Fisher enters and nails his first jumper, igniting the crowd into a frenzy once again.
29-20 Miami, 1 minute remaining first quarter.
11:34am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:34am | Report comment
That James bloke has been quiet – are we sure he deserves all the minutes he gets …
11:41am
Scotty Barby said | 11:41am | Report comment
LeBron has been quiet offensively, but active in other areas. He has 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
I agree that failing to have 45 points at this stage is disappointing though.
11:42am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:42am | Report comment
Yeah, team player and all that. Guess we’d better keep him on the boards to help out Chalmers and Battier
11:21am
Scotty Barby said | 11:21am | Report comment
Battier buries another three, his 3rd for the game.
Chalmers adds another off an OKC turnover.
Miami are 4-5 from deep, they’re seeing the basket as an Ocean right now.
20-12 Miami, 4 minutes remaining opening quarter.
11:24am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:24am | Report comment
On the theory that if the supporting cast score 25, Miami win … supporting cast 14 points at 3.09 in the first.
11:26am
Scotty Barby said | 11:26am | Report comment
By supporting cast I assume you mean everybody outside of LBJ, Wade and Bosh?
Their contribution thus far has been priceless.
Wade has been especially effective with locating the open man as well, 3 assists early.
11:30am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:30am | Report comment
Yeah. They havent delivered as many wins as the Big 3, but they delivered wins.
11:19am
Scotty Barby said | 11:19am | Report comment
Russell Westbrook’s production was always going to be a huge question mark in this series. He’s off to a cold 0/4 start.
Three of those misses are outside 12 feet, I’d like to see him get to the rim.
Miami on the otherhand have started much better, apart from Mario Chalmers every starter has scored.
Durant the lone hand for OKC, he has all 8 of their points.
14-8 Miami, halfway through the first quarter.
11:14am
Scotty Barby said | 11:14am | Report comment
Haslem gets an open dunk off a great feed from Wade.
OKC off to a nervous 1-6 start from the field.
7-0 Miami run
11:12am
Scotty Barby said | 11:12am | Report comment
Kevin Durant is matching up on LeBron on the defensive end, the Heat have given Battier first crack at Durant.
Battier hits another open 3 and takes the lead as Finals MVP front runner. I’ll never get the opportunity to say that ever again.
8-2 Miami, 4 minutes played.
11:21am
Ian Whitchurch said | 11:21am | Report comment
Scotty,
If you think Battier is about stats, you’re mistaken.
He is a team defender in a game that, too often, is all about me. And thats why the best players in the best teams in the NBA were all telling their coaches ‘Get Battier’.
11:24am
Scotty Barby said | 11:24am | Report comment
Agreed, Battier is an invaluable role player who’s true worth doesn’t shine through in the boxscore. Anything he produces numbers wise is a bonus.
A key cog in the Heat’s Championships ambitions, no question.
11:09am
Scotty Barby said | 11:09am | Report comment
Shane Batter gets us off and running with an open three. Durant answers with a jumper of his own.
11:08am
Scotty Barby said | 11:08am | Report comment
The Thunder fans are a sea of Blue and as deafening as ever. This is the loudest and most manic crowd I can remember since the 2007 Golden State Warriors. I give the edge to the Warriors though, who had closeups of Jessica Alba as opposed to ‘Lil wayne.
11:11am
Alistair Hogg said | 11:11am | Report comment
Did Lil Wayne pay for his ticket this time?
11:16am
Scotty Barby said | 11:16am | Report comment
From all reports he did. He actually purchased a pair, courtside of course.
11:08am
Josiah Miller said | 11:08am | Report comment
I’m still wondering if Spo and his video guys have come up with some killer defensive trump card to stop Durant like fronting Carmello Anthony in the Knicks series. I think it’s an outside possibility because KD is more versatile in the way he gets his points but I still think there’s a chance we see something out of the Heat’s defense that takes KD out of his comfort zone for one game before the Thunder can adjust.
11:02am
Scotty Barby said | 11:02am | Report comment
Player introductions are underway with LeBron claiming the title for loudest “boo’s”. Outside of everyone on the planet, nobody expected that.
10:56am
Scotty Barby said | 10:56am | Report comment
Some key NBA Finals whilst we await the conclusion of the National Anthem;
A whopping 78.6 percent of Finals teams possessing an experience advantage have gone on to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. This favors the Heat, who are making their second straight trip to the finals.
In Oklahomas corner is field goal percentage consistency. In the past 22 years, the team who shoot the ball at a higher clip have won the Championship 57% fo the time. This favors OKC who shoot the ball at 47.1% to Miami 46.9%.
All indicators point to a barn burner of a series!
10:49am
Scotty Barby said | 10:49am | Report comment
We’re now just 10 minutes away from the opening Tip off. The Finals will be broadcast in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages. The voice of the Finals this year will be veteran announcer Mike Breen, who will be joined by analyst and dry humor King Jeff Van Gundy, along with sideline reporter Doris Burke. Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief with the absense of Reggie Miller.
Rumors swirling that Chris Bosh will come off the bench for the Heat. This should make the all important secod unit matchup a key, with Harden and Bosh leading their respective benches.
10:54am
Alistair Hogg said | 10:54am | Report comment
At risk of straying off topic, do you see OKC management choosing Harden or Ibaka if it comes down to which UFA they can re-sign next season?
10:59am
Scotty Barby said | 10:59am | Report comment
I believe they need to do everything in their power to keep James Harden. Ibaka is valuable, no question, he’s a runner up defensive player of the year. Harden is a rare diamond in a league absent of shooting guard talent though.
OKC will jump through every available loophole in order to keep both players, but if it comes to one or the other, Harden is the pick. He’s been on a one way street to a max deal since the Dallas series, and he has earned every dime.
11:45am
Aleks Duric said | 11:45am | Report comment
I think the bigger question is will James Harden want to continue being Manu Ginobili 2.0, or will he follow in the footsteps of Joe Johnson and run his own show? Hopefully he does the right thing and stays. KD, Westbrook and Harden have enormous potential to create and 80′s style dynasty
2:14pm
Scotty Barby said | 2:14pm | Report comment
I guess that’s up to Harden. He looks as though he enjoys playing with the current squad though and doesn’t appear to have any problem with coming off the bench. If they win it all this year he could very well look to create his own legacy somewhere else. I think OKC max him out though, they know how special this big 3 can be. I think Harden does as well.
10:31am
Scotty Barby said | 10:31am | Report comment
Cheers Al.
In my view the Thunder are extremely limited when trying to get inside. Perkins and Ibaka dominated game 4 against the Spurs inside the paint, but in order to do so it required history to be re-written and Ibaka to go a perfect 11/11 from the field. I don’t see that happening against the Heat. The jumpshot, and their ability to get out and run on the break, will be the key for the Thunder once again. OKC rank #2 in the league for offensive efficiency, so I think it’s more about how can Miami limit the Thunder, as opposed to the Thunder going cold.
As you mentioned, Scotty Brooks took a while to adjust in the Spurs series, resting Ibaka in game 1 and Sefolosha in game 2, but once he did the Thunder rolled on. Anyone who can out-coach Greg Popovic can coach in my book. This is a team who won four straight against the Spurs, including two on the road. I’m equally concerned about coach Spoelstra as I am coach Brooks. Both are young coaches, any inability to react to matchup curveballs could cost their team a Championship.
This should all be answered in the coming hours though.
I can’t wait!
10:01am
Alistair Hogg said | 10:01am | Report comment
Scotty my man. Great preview.
We saw Oklahoma use the jump shot to destroy the seemingly infallible and well-oiled Spurs unit in the previous round. Is this an all or nothing tactic for the Thunder in your opinion? If the shots aren’t falling, are they done, or do they have the ability to re-adjust?
Similarly, do you think Scott Brooks is ‘smart’ enough to coach this team to glory? Although their recovery was remarkable, games one and two against San Antonio could be put on his head.