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Lebron James had 34 points and 10 assists against the NBA’s Top team, the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 98 -93 Heat win on Wednesday night in Miami. On a night when a great NBA match-up was only the second hottest ticket in town, (the Miami Marlins were the hottest as they opended their new home ballpark) the Heat turned in a fine performance while the Thunder stumbled a bit.

Kevin Durant had 30 for the Thunder and Russell Westbrook added 28. But the Two shot a poor percentage as did the Heat who shot only 37%.

“It reminded of the summer when we were working out together, both pushing each other, staying on top of each other during those workouts … It’s always good going against the best and he’s one of them.” James said of going against Durant.

“He is a great player. You are not going to hold down a great player often. He missed some shots the first time we played him and we made him take some tough ones also. He was good, his jumpshots were falling and got some buckets in transition off our turnovers.” Thunder Coach Scott Brooks said of James.

”You take the personal challenge,” James said.

”We could have played a lot stronger,” Durant said, ”but you have to give credit to Miami.”

The Thunder had several opportunities to tie of take the lead down the stretch go awry. There were some missed bunies and Kendrick Perkins had an excellent shot at an old fashioned three but he could not finish. He then missed two free throws. Kevin Durant had two shots to tie it in the last minute and missed them both.

”We could have played a lot stronger,” Durant said, ”but you have to give credit to Miami.”

”It was a physical game,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. ”I like that. I’m sure they like it. Neither team backed down.”

he Thunder beat Miami about a week ago in a one-sided affair. For a while early on it looked like it may happen again. The Thunder stormed out to a 36-25 lead in the second quarter. But then a couple of plays the Heat felt were dirty seemed to fire them up.

”Two very good teams,” Wade said. ”It was a playoff atmosphere here tonight. Good game, great for the fans and great competition.”

We wouldn’t mind seeing it in the Finals