Durant powers Thunder past LeBron’s Heat for 105-94 victory in Game 1 of NBA Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY – Kevin Durant scored 17 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook added 27 points and 11 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 105-94 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

LeBron James, still chasing his first NBA title in his third MVP season, shined through three quarters and blew past Durant head-to-head several times before the Thunder switched their defence.

James ended up with 30 points — the most he’s ever had in three trips to the finals — but it wasn’t enough with Durant taking over late.

Durant made six of 10 shots in the fourth quarter to power the Thunder ahead after they had trailed until their final possession of the third quarter.

Game 2 is Thursday night in Oklahoma City.