The Thunder began the 2012 NBA Finals like a team that hadn't been there before.
Using some three-point shots and strong defense, the Heat lead OKC 29-22 after one quarter in Oklahoma City.
The Heat got off to a quick start and took a 10-2 lead less than four minutes into the game. After playing a grind-it-out series against the defensive-minded Celtics, playing the Thunder must have felt freeing. The Heat made some great passes to find some open shots, resulting in nine assists on 11 baskets. Miami's lead was as big as 11 points in the quarter and the Heat shot 52.4 percent.
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, while Russell Westbrook had three points and shot 1-for-5. James Harden's lone basket beat the buzzer to end the quarter. Miami was led by Shane Battier, who scored nine points on 3-for-3 shooting from three-point range. Mario Chalmers scored eight points on 3-for-4 shooting.
For more on the 2012 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat, check out Welcome To Loud City and Peninsula Is Mightier. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.