The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally broken the .500 mark on the season.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook each scored 19 points, as the Thunder defeated the Heat in Miami 94-86. OKC has now won three-straight games and imporved their record to 21-20 on the season, the first time they’ve been over .500 this year.
It was a tough night for the Heat following the first quarter. Miami turned the ball over 21 times, and lost starting center Hassan Whiteside in the second quarter due to a sprained ankle. Whiteside, who was playing in his 17th game with the team, was 5-5 from the field with 10 points and has been a bright spot for Miami as of late.
Despite the 21 turnovers and loss of Whiteside, the Heat kept the score close for the majority of the game.
It was 84-82 Thunder with just over three minutes to go when Russell Westbrook found Reggie Jackson in the corner who knocked down a three-pointer. On the ensuing defensive possession, OKC put Serge Ibaka on Dwyane Wade, who missed a three of his own, giving the ball back to the Thunder.
Westbrook would then drive left and hit a floater to extend the lead to seven. Westbrook then came up big defensively, causing another Miami turnover and finishing at the other end with a fast break dunk.
Chris Bosh hit one of two free throws on the next possession, but Westbrook found Steven Adams on a pick-and-roll, giving the Thunder an 11 point lead and a big enough cushion to hold on for good.
The Thunder will continue their Eastern Conference road trip, as they’ll be in Washington on Wednesday to face the Wizards, before traveling to Atlanta and Cleveland.
The Heat will travel to Charlotte for a meeting with the Hornets on Wednesday.
