Oklahoma City vs. Miami: How LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Co. Rated

In an epic battle between two of the top teams in the league, LeBron James and the Miami Heat emerged victorious over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 98-93.

The game featured many storylines, including a possible warm-up to the NBA Finals later in the year. It was also anticipated as a key game in deciding the battle for the league’s MVP award.

But which players rated best?

Kendrick Perkins

Grade: B-

It is very worrying for the Thunder when Kendrick Perkins takes the first shot.

He was a great defensive presence in the paint as he altered numerous shots, particularly from Dwyane Wade. Perkins had no qualms dishing out the pain in attempt to make Wade and Co. settle for perimeter shots.

Perkins, however, did lose his head on occasion as the game heated up. He fouled extremely hard and was even called for a flagrant on Wade.

While the stats say Perkins was a non-factor on offense, he set brutal screens and passed well out of the post. Perkins did everything the Thunder expects of him: hard screens, intimidating defense and veteran leadership.

Serge Ibaka

Grade: C+

Ibaka was an absolute beast for the Thunder around the rim. He made five blocks in total, including emphatic rejections of Norris Cole, Mario Chalmers and Chris Bosh. He also defended Bosh well and played a large part keeping him quiet.

However, it was a different story at the offensive end. His hands let him down on numerous occasions as he could not get a handle on the ball. Also, his ever-expanding mid-range game failed to get going, which allowed Miami to clog the lane and limit the Thunder’s explosive drivers.

Ibaka also came away with only seven rebounds. In order to win big games like this, he must crash the boards harder and with more intensity.

A typically intimidating defensive presence from Ibaka was overshadowed by a poor offensive display.

Kevin Durant

Grade: B

Durant finished with a near double-double that included nine turnovers. This severely hindered OKC’s offensive flow.

However, Durant did come out focused and aggressive. He drained open shots and made posters of Ronny Turiaf and Joel Anthony with ferocious slams. He did not settle for jump shots and drove hard all night. He showcased his improved court vision and passing ability, although they were not always anticipated by his teammates.

Durant clearly came out second best in the highly anticipated battle between himself and LeBron James. He struggled with his shot in the second half while his defense was exposed by LeBron as he was continually beat off the dribble.

Durant fizzled out during the course of the night. He also made a crucial mistake in the clutch as he threw up a wild three with 12.3 seconds still left on the clock. Overall, a disappointing night from Durant.

Thabo Sefolosha

Grade: C+

Sefolosha’s early defense was immaculate as he easily dealt with the threat of Wade. He also made open jump shots early, which is crucial in spreading the floor for the Thunder guards.

However, Sefolosha’s performance tailed off in the second half as he disappeared on offense and had defensive lapses that gave James and Wade easy baskets.

Russell Westbrook

Grade: B+

Westbrook forced the issue too much in the opening quarter as he drove wildly and jacked up contested shots. He gambled too much on defense and gave Wade open driving lanes.

However, it was a game of two halves for Westbrook. After the break, he tempered his reckless play with balance and picked holes in the Heat defense. He made three three-point plays as he showcased his explosive athleticism in the second half.

He finished with only two assists but did display his passing ability with a sumptuous alley-oop to Durant.

Thunder Bench

Nick Collison: Some good defense on Bosh. He played the pick and roll well with James Harden and Westbrook. Grabbed some crucial rebounds and was committed as ever.

Grade: C+

Derek Fisher: Missed open threes and continued to struggle with his shot. He was also beat off the dribble on defence by the Heat guards.

Grade: C-

James Harden: As always, made the right decisions on the court and made some excellent passes to Durant and Nazr Mohammed. Handled the ball almost exclusively when on the court. Smooth as ever and extremely crafty around the rim. Like Sefolosha, he defended Wade well but Oklahoma City need more than 12 points from Harden to win games.

Grade: B

Nazr Mohammed: Good hands and finishing around rim. Displayed some range on his jump shot. A good night from Mohammed, but he did only play 10 minutes.

Grade: C+

Daequan Cook: Touched the ball twice. One was an airball, one was a pure three.  Only played four minutes.

Grade: C

Ronny Turiaf

Grade: D+

Ronny Turiaf disappointed in his second start for the Heat. While he hustled and played with high energy, his defense in the paint was weak and he was plagued by foul trouble as he collected four personals in just 15 minutes of play.

His night was capped off by Durant throwing down a vicious dunk on top of him.

Chris Bosh

Grade: D+

A disappearing act from Chris Bosh last night.

He really struggled to create his own shot and failed to capitalize on a number of easy looks. He was plagued by turnovers and began his night shooting 1-of-7.

As the battle heated up, Bosh seemed to shy away. He defended timidly around the rim, which allowed Westbrook, Harden and Durant to thrive.

Bosh was a disappointment and will need to perform much better in the playoffs if the Heat are to advance past the Bulls.

LeBron James

Grade: A+

LeBron James came out to show why he is clearly the best basketball player on the planet. He was passive early but grew into the game as he began driving and making perimeter shots. His bullish strength and electric speed were simply too much for the Thunder to handle.

His skill as a point-forward was also clear as he dished out 10 assists to go with his 34 points.

Even the most one-eyed Thunder fan (me), would have to admit LeBron clearly won the battle of the two MVP candidates. His defense in the second half was lockdown as he kept Durant quiet and forced bad shots.

What more can you say? King James did it all.

Dwyane Wade

Grade: B

Wade slashed well but struggled to finish all night. He was invisible for large parts of the game on offense and his jump shot failed to get going.

He and James continued to build on their rare relationship with some selfless, instinctive passing in transition.

Overall, an average night from Wade as he finished with 19 points.  However, he did readily defer to LeBron, which was all that was needed on the night.

Mario Chalmers

Grade: B

Made a smooth pull-up jumper to open the scoring and followed it up with an open three. This set the tone for his night as he was confident and kept a cool head throughout. He was happy to defer to James and Wade but knocked down big shots when given open looks and made some key passes in transition.

Like most opposing point guards, Chalmers was completely destroyed by Westbrook at the defensive end. The speed and power of Westbrook were too much for him and he was bullied most of the night. His sharp hands offered some respite as he was able to force turnovers and disrupt the Thunder’s offense.

Overall, a solid night from Chalmers.

Heat Bench

Shane Battier: Slowed Durant a bit. He struggled with his shot early and was hesitant on offense. However, he hustled hard for offensive rebounds and made crucial threes down the stretch for the Heat.

Grade: B-

Udonis Haslem: Set some great screens but was otherwise invisible on offense. He played with the same energy and effort we are accustomed to seeing from him.

Grade: C+

Joel Anthony: Too slow and lethargic but, as always, played hard.

Grade: C-

Norris Cole: Blocked emphatically early on by Ibaka, which seemed to ruin his confidence for the rest of the night.

Grade: D

Terrel Harris: As usual, played hard in limited minutes. However, he did make a crucial three in the third period.

Grade: C+