Scoring Champ outduels MVP

A matchup between the NBA’s MVP and scoring champion was what everyone yearned for. This year’s finals would display two heavyweights battling for the opportunity to be crowned the “best player in the league” and the chance to win an NBA Championship.

Game 1 went to three-time scoring champ as Kevin Durant outshined Lebron James in an Oklahoma City rally to win 105-94.   

During last year’s NBA Finals, Miami struggled with Dirk Nowitzki's willingness in the fourth quarter, and this year’s task may be lean in physique, but is much more daunting. He goes by the name of “Duranchilla.”

Igniting for 17 points in the fourth quarter wasn’t anything new to any of the Thunder fans. At the age of 23, Durant’s offensive talents are immeasurable. His prolific array of mid-range shots, freakish length, and ability to soar over defenders effortlessly in the air makes him very tough to defend. Durant illustrated this perfectly last night while making shots over Dwyanne Wade and Shane Battier.

The only disadvantage on the sensational scorer is his size. Quite frankly, using James to defend Durant is the only option. James may not be able to stop Durant’s wide range of talents, but definitely will be able to contain and slow him down. When Durant is connecting from the beyond the arc and producing points in the paint, there really isn’t too much defenders can do. James’ quick feet and wide body give Miami the best chance to limiting Durant. 

As sensational as young Durant’s performance was in Game 1, he will have a better showing if not several in the remaining games of this series. Durant’s performance is contingent on Russell Westbrook’s play. Westbrook is a gift and a curse. His relentless explosion and selective amnesia of missed shots is the reason why he’s able to tear apart defenses. The crux is his impatience on offensive as he always outnumbers Durant in shot attempts.

K.D.’s 20 attempts compared to Westbrook’s 24 in Game 1 is something that the two are still learning to fix. As helpful as Westbrook may be in easing pressure off Durant, he must understand that there is a reason why Durant is the three-time scoring champion and was second in MVP voting. As kids used to say at the park, “He [Durant] gets buckets.” 
Once Durant and Westbrook are able to adjust their shot attempts between each other, that is when the Thunder will truly be at their peak.

Miami showed some great ball movement in the first half with big plays from Mario Chalmers and Battier. In order for Miami to actually defeat OKC at home, the Heat will need that to be consistent in both halves rather one.

Heading into Game 2, OKC’s momentum should be through the roof. They’re undefeated at home and the city is certain this is their year for the title. The only way for Miami to alter this mood is to send a message. That message would consist of pounding the ball inside rather than settling for outside shots.

The Thunder won with James Harden only scoring five points. That won’t be the case in Game 2.