Heat vs Thunder: Highlights, Top Tweets, Grades and Analysis
In a clash of the titans, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Miami Heat, 103-87, in Oklahoma City. The win gave the Thunder (37-12) the slightest edge over the Heat (35-12) for the second-best record in the NBA.
Oklahoma City used a big second quarter to propel them to victory. They outscored the Heat 35-25 to take an 11-point lead into the locker room, and the Heat could never catch up.
This was the first time these two have met this season, and it was a big statement for the young Thunder as they cemented themselves as one of the favorites to win the NBA title.
Tweets of the Night
Kevin Durant was the best player on the floor in this game. ESPN's Skip Bayless apparently didn't even think it was close.
"Kevin Durant just made LeBron James look like Just Another Guy in that first half.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 26, 2012"
The Miami Herald's Joseph Goodman pointed out that the Heat seemed to be resigned to their fate by the third quarter.
"Heat barely has a pulse with 3:56 left in the third. It's like they know they're losing this game and they've given up.
— Joseph Goodman (@MiamiHeraldHeat) March 26, 2012"
After a game of some big-time highlights and few results, this NBA fan could be onto something.
"Looks like Heat practice yesterday consisted of fancy dunks and full court heaves.
— Lisa Kay (@LisaKay18) March 26, 2012"
Must-See Highlight of the Night
Wade tried to give his team a spark heading into the fourth with this amazing buzzer-beater.
It's not often you see a shot from anywhere near that deep swish through.
As a little bonus, I'm changing highlight from singular to plural. This next highlight gives a good taste of the kind of basketball Durant was playing. He was making all the right decisions. Like this tasty little dump-off.
Grades for Key Heat Players
Dwyane Wade: B
Wade was active and efficient—he had 22 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He also had a lot of turnovers (six), and couldn't pull his team close.
LeBron James: B-
James was 8-of-18 from the field for 17 points, and he failed to get involved to the spectacular degree he usually does. He had just three rebounds.
As Skip pointed out, he was also thoroughly outplayed by Durant.
Chris Bosh: B+
Bosh had an efficient and solid night. He was 6-of-11 from the field for 18 points. He only managed to pull in five boards.
Grades for Key Thunder Players
Russell Westbrook: C-
Westbrook's shot was off; he was 4-of-16 from the field for 13 points, but he didn't let them take him completely out of the game.
He had six assists and three steals.
Kevin Durant: A
The Durantula was spectacular. He was on with his shot and made sure his teammates got involved. He was also active on the boards.
He finished with 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He also had nine boards, eight assists and a block.
This was a LeBron type of stat line. He may have been trying to prove a point.
Serge Ibaka: A-
Ibaka had a very nice game. He was 8-of-10 from the field for 19 points and also grabbed 10 boards for the double-double.
Stat of the Night: 13
That would be the number of times the Thunder pilfered the ball from the Heat. In all, Miami committed 21 turnovers.
Game MVP: Kevin Durant
KD will be hard pressed to play a more complete game than this one. He was amazing and fun to watch.
What's Next?
The Heat will be leaving on a jet plane bound for Indiana to take on the Pacers on Monday. That is the last game of their current three-game road trip.
This was the last of a three-game homestand for the Thunder. They take to the road to face Portland on Tuesday and the Lakers on Thursday.
