(Photo Credit: Issac Baldizon)
The Miami HEAT defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas night 103-97. It was the HEAT's fifth straight win over the Thunder dating back to Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The win pushed the HEAT's record to 19-6. The HEAT play the Bobcats in Charlotte tomorrow night.
Impact Performance of the Night: The LeBron James of tonight’s victory looked a lot like the LeBron James of the NBA Finals in June. James finished with 29 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, three steals and a block. He was the driving force behind the HEAT’s offense and played terrific defense. Kevin Durant still scored 33 points, but it wasn’t because of a lack of defense.
The Deciding Run: In the early stages of the fourth quarter, the HEAT and Thunder were tied at 79. Two free throws and two Mario Chalmers jumpers later, the HEAT were up seven. That gave the HEAT enough cushion to trade points with the Thunder down the stretch.
Play of the Game: Chris Bosh finished with a fairly quiet 16 points and six rebounds, but he scored the biggest basket of the night. After Kevin Durant cut the HEAT lead to one with 44 seconds left, the HEAT called a timeout to regroup. Out of the break, LeBron James found Chris Bosh cutting to the rim for a slam dunk. The HEAT went up three and were able to hold on from there.
Sum It Up, Coach: “That felt a little bit like a different month. Regardless of what your script is coming into the game, when you play a team like this team it’s not going to go according to script. They’re too good, instinctual. They make great plays. They’re relentless. They just keep on coming at you. At the end of the day you just have to find a way. “ –Erik Spoelstra
Efficiency Rating: Offensive Rating: 110.3; Defensive Rating: 103.5
Trend to Watch: The HEAT defense has been clicking of late, and against the Thunder it was very strong again. The HEAT’s pressure caused 17 turnovers, which was a big drain on the Thunder offense. The ball-hawking the HEAT have exhibited recently been a huge boost. If the HEAT are getting their hands on passes, blocking shots and causing 24 second violations, they’ll be in good shape.
The Takeaway: That was probably the best game we’ll see all season. There were big momentum shifts, big plays by big stars and a whole lot of energy. If you’ve got the game recorded, save it and rewatch it over and over again. It was that fun. Going forward, it’s a nice win, but it doesn’t portend much. The HEAT and Thunder were title contenders entering the game. Nothing tonight changed that.
Notes: Dwyane Wade finished with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists. Mario Chalmers scored a season-high 20 points, making four three-pointers. Kevin Durant finished with 33 points and seven rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
