In what is proving to be a game played in transition, the teams each scored several baskets on the break, with both Blake Griffin and LeBron James delivering highlight reel dunks in a hard fought and entertaining first period.

The Clippers took a 6-3 lead when Chris Paul threw up a no look pass to an airborne Blake Griffin, who was in the process of jumping over Mario Chalmers for a resounding dunk.

The Heat came back with a 9-0 run, including a three pointer by Mario Chalmers, a fast break dunk by LeBron James, and a finger roll courtesy of Dwyane Wade.

Blake Griffin then went on a personal seven-point run, with two dunks, a short jumper and a free throw to put the Clippers up, 13-12.

The teams then traded chances for several minutes, the period ending with Miami up, 24-21. Blake Griffin had three dunks, scoring 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting. LeBron James put up 10, and Mario Chalmers hit two three-pointers for the Heat.