Let’s get some numbers out of the way first. Oklahoma’s Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook chipped in an admirable 18 points, and Serge Ibaka had 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. But as a team, Oklahoma shot 40 percent.
What about Miami? Ah, 38 percent shooting overall, but according to NBA.com, an eyebrow-raising 29 percent after halftime. This is a season low for Miami, and as the season’s closing out, it should be giving them more worries than usual.
Not that none of the Heat made shots. Chris Bosh with 21 points and 11 rebounds, Dwyane Wade had 21 points, and LeBron managed a 19-point contribution. Let the fact that Miami averaged 114 points in the last two games be a testament to the efficiency of Oklahoma’s defense.
Miami’s coach, Erik Spoelstra, was quoted saying, “We have some of the best attackers in the game. They usually go over the top ... They were being met at the rim. They forced us into some tough opportunities. Regardless of whether we feel there was contact or not, you have to give them credit with their defense.”
If it was questioned before, tonight it’s definitively answered: Oklahoma will be a force to reckon with come playoffs.
In other news? The Boston Celtics pulled a win over the Indiana Pacers, while the Detroit Pistons broke a losing streak and cranked out a 14-point win over the Toronto Raptors, and the Atlanta Hawks lost by 15 points to the Denver Nuggets.
What about Miami? Ah, 38 percent shooting overall, but according to NBA.com, an eyebrow-raising 29 percent after halftime. This is a season low for Miami, and as the season’s closing out, it should be giving them more worries than usual.
Not that none of the Heat made shots. Chris Bosh with 21 points and 11 rebounds, Dwyane Wade had 21 points, and LeBron managed a 19-point contribution. Let the fact that Miami averaged 114 points in the last two games be a testament to the efficiency of Oklahoma’s defense.
Miami’s coach, Erik Spoelstra, was quoted saying, “We have some of the best attackers in the game. They usually go over the top ... They were being met at the rim. They forced us into some tough opportunities. Regardless of whether we feel there was contact or not, you have to give them credit with their defense.”
If it was questioned before, tonight it’s definitively answered: Oklahoma will be a force to reckon with come playoffs.
In other news? The Boston Celtics pulled a win over the Indiana Pacers, while the Detroit Pistons broke a losing streak and cranked out a 14-point win over the Toronto Raptors, and the Atlanta Hawks lost by 15 points to the Denver Nuggets.
