After three quarters in Oklahoma City, the Miami Heat trail the Thunder 74-73 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Russell Westbrook took over for the Thunder in the third quarter, converting an and-1 at the rim to give his team their first lead of the game with just 16 seconds remaining.
Oklahoma City came right out of the gates in the second half with an increased energy, immediately cutting into the Heat's halftime lead. Yet they never took the lead until 16 seconds remaining as Miami held on throughout the quarter. OKC was in the bonus early but they have missed seven free throws on the night.
After a poor shooting first half, Westbrook asserted himself in the third quarter and got to the rim with ease. Dwyane Wade has called him the best athlete in the league and he was able to get penetration in the half court without much trouble, converting several easy finger rolls. He now has 21 points and is in triple-double territory.
For Miami, LeBron James has 23 points, two shy of his career high in the Finals. Dwyane Wade is struggling again, and is just four of 14 from the floor.
Stick with this StoryStream for all your news throughout the 2012 NBA Finals. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, visit Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation Kansas City. For all your Finals analysis, visitSB Nation's NBA hub.