One team hopping out to a big lead in the first quarter has been the trend this NBA Finals, and the Heat led by as many as nine in the first quarter of this one. But some resiliency by Kevin Durant and... well, just Kevin Durant, brought the Thunder back to a five-point deficit.
Game 5 First Quarter Update: Miami Leads Thunder, 31-26
Miami was a little bit Flying Death Machine-y early, with LeBron James finishing two and-ones and Dwyane Wade tipping in an alley-oop. And then they really started clicking: The team hit nine shots in a row, including two threes by an absent-thus-far Mike Miller, and Miami crowd darling rookie Norris Cole drilled another three off a pass from LeBron James to give the Heat a nine-point lead.
Defense looks like an issue early for OKC: The Big Three are getting to the rim and they’re easily able to create for the seemingly endless supply of shooters on the Heat roster. Meanwhile, the Thunder are shooting a measly 9-for-24 from the field. That’s got to change if they want to see a Game 6.
For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For Thunder news and notes, visit Welcome To Loud City or check out SB Nation Kansas City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation’s dedicated NBA hub.
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