Maybe he's human after all. LeBron James had to leave the game Thursday in the fourth quarter with an injury to the nose as the Miami Heat cruised to a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Leaving the court bloodied, James had 33 points in a 103-81 win.
Thunder vs. Heat recap: LeBron James injured in Miami’s 101-83 win
Miami’s four-time MVP went down late in the fourth quarter with an apparent injury to the nose.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The four-time MVP started hot for Miami, putting up 21 points in the first half as the Heat looked to be in control of the Thunder in Oklahoma City early. Miami finished the half up 54-47.
Miami looked pretty much unstoppable as it dominated the Thunder by forcing turnovers and passing the ball. Add in the fact that LeBron was on fire, and the Thunder never looked to have a shot. Both teams were absolutely atrocious from the three-point line, but the Heat moved the ball well on offense.
However, there was a scary moment late in the fourth quarter as James went up for a dunk on Serge Ibaka. He finished at the rim but appeared to get hit in the nose by Ibaka, needing a moment on the floor before leaving the game.
There was also a bit of blood:
James wouldn’t return with Miami leading by double digits. As of publication, the extent of his injury is unknown.
Kevin Durant never seemed to find his rhythm on a rare night of inefficiency. Miami's defense played a large part in that even as the Thunder got to the line more often. OKC started to threaten at times in the second half, but the reigning champs punched back every time to put things away.
Durant finished with 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting, plus eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. In his return to the lineup, Russell Westbrook underwhelmed with 16 points and five rebounds, but more turnovers (four) than assists (two).
For Miami, James was the star with 33 points on 15-of-22 shooting, adding seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Dwyane Wade had 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting along with 10 assists and three steals. Chris Bosh poured in 24 points on just 6-of-9 shooting, going 11-of-12 from the free throw line alongside eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The win keeps the Heat firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference at 39-14. The loss moves the Thunder to 43-13, still good enough for first in the West.
See More:
