NOTES & QUOTES
Heat Starting Five: Antonio Snow, Josh Richardson, Justice Winslow, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hassan Whiteside
Summary: The Oklahoma City Thunder were back in Miami for the first time since being swet in the finals in June. The roster looked a bit different as they’ve added length to their front court with power forward Jamychal Green and center Dewayne Dedmon. Russell Westbrook came into this contest averaging 20 points per game over the first three games and he looked poised to go 20 or more tonight. He got off to a hot start as the OKC took the lead and Antonio Snow found himself in early foul trouble. The Thunder were boasting an 11 point lead in the second quarter while the Miami starters were resting.
Antonio Snow came back with a renewed focus, scoring 19 points in the second half, going 3 of 5 from deep to give Miami a 77-76 lead with 5 minutes left to play. Snow nailed a clutch basket with thirty seconds left on the clock to give the Heat the win. As Snow goes, so does the team. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored his first basket in the fourth quarter and five more baskets following, giving him a quick and much needed 12 points late.
Antonio Snow on early foul trouble: I just got a little too aggressive early. It’s that simple really. I knew this was gonna be a tough match and I was just too charged up on defense.
Billy Donovan on new players: It’s a process. I think the guys are coming together well. We’re sitting at .500 right now, so we’ll take it. Ask me again in December.
Antonio Snow on explosive scoring in second half: I had a job to do and I did it. I feel like we were down in the first half because of my mistakes which resulted in me seeing limited minutes so I had to get down to business.
Top Performers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook – 18 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
Paul George – 16 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL
Dennis Schroeder – 12 PTS, 4 AST
Miami Heat
Antonio Snow – 30 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – 12 PTS, 3 REB
Hassan Whiteside – 10 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST