The Miami Heat have shot 3-22 from outside of the paint in the first half. Two of those three makes came from Shane Battier three-pointers in the final three minutes of the quarter. And yet, despite the fact that they haven't gotten anything going outside of layups and free throws, the Heat have created enough offense to have a 47-46 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder at halftime of Game 3.
Heat Vs. Thunder Halftime Score: Somehow, Miami Up 47-46 Sans Jump Shooting
It's been a solid night so far for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who have 13 points apiece. It's been a considerably less effective night for James Harden, who has struggled with three points on 1-6 shooting. Kendrick Perkins has picked up a few easy buckets on offensive rebounds en route to eight points, but he's the only offense other than Durant and Westbrook to speak of. Not that this is irregular in any way.
LeBron James has been downright dominant on the night with 16 points, eight rebounds -- four of them offensive -- and two assists. Dwyane Wade's jump shot has been very poor, but he's still getting to the rack often enough that he has 11 points. Battier's been an unsung hero so far in his 16 minutes on the floor, playing great defense and making the only two shots that he's attempted.
The Thunder are in decent shape at the moment, down by just one point on the road with the best likely yet to come from Kevin Durant, but they’re going to need to get some offense out of Harden and they’re going to need to improve defensively in the second half. Sooner or later, the Miami Heat are going to hit some open jump shots. When they do, they’re probably going to open up a lead.
For more on the game, stick with our 2012 NBA Finals, Game 3 StoryStream. For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on the Thunder, check out Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation Kansas City.
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