NBA Finals: Thunder rally for 105-94 victory over Heat in Game 1
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The Associated Press
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Miami Heat, 105-94, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Oklahoma City.
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vs. Miami at 8 p.m. Thursday in Game 2 of the NBA Finals
After getting down by as much as 13 in the first half, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back to beat the Miami Heat, 105-94, in Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals.
How the Thunder won: The Thunder fell behind early, giving up seven 3-pointers in the first half, but locked down on defense in the second half, forcing six turnovers in the second half. On offense they turned the game over to their stars, forward Kevin Durant and guard Russel Westbrook who combined for 41 points in the second half — the Heat mustered just 40 as a team.
Key stat: Two. The Thunder gave up just two turnovers in the second half.
Key performer: It's hard to choose between Westbrook and Durant, but Durant absolutely took the game over in the second half. The forward finished the game with 36 points and eight rebounds.
Key opponent: Heat forward Shane Battier came out with a bang, scoring 17 points and giving the Heat the early lead.
Unsung hero: Thunder forward Nick Collison kept the Thunder in every possession, extending several with scrappy hustle plays, diving on the floor and poking long rebounds to his perimeter players.
What it means: With the Thunder coming back after trailing by 13 points, their defense and explosive scoring proved they can beat the Heat in tight games.
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