OKC's first-quarter slump continues
The Thunder headed to the bench at the end of the first quarter already in a 14-point hole.
In what would become a 115-108 loss, Oklahoma City continued with i ts recent slow start trend.
For the second time in the past four games, the Thunder allowed at least 40 points in the first quarter. The Thunder has given up over 35 firstquarter points in three of i ts past four games and over 30 in all four.
On Friday, the Heat shot 6-of-7 from 3-point range in the first quarter, on its way to a 40-point period. But Miami beat OKC in the paint, too, outscoring the Thunder 14-10 there. Center Bam Adebayo led Miami with 10 firstquarter points on 4-of-4 shooting.
“I think what's happening to us is we' re responding to the game,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said, “instead of trying to dictate the game. We're responding to other teams.”
Gallinari lets it fly
Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari was shuffling back on defense before the ball feel through the hoop. The familiar call from the public address announcer boomed through Chesapeake Energy Arena: "Danilo Gallinari for 3!"
He had only checked into the fourth quarter 30 seconds earlier, and Gallinari was already adding to his 3-point total for the night.
Gallinari led the Thunder with 27 points. He shot 7-of-12 from 3-point range. Saturday marked Gallinari's 12th straight game scoring three or more 3-pointers, extending his Thunder record-breaking streak.
Dunk champion
With about two minutes left in the third quarter, Thunder guard Dennis Schroder drove into the paint and tossed the ball to Hamidou Diallo, who was cutting along the baseline.
Diallo reminded every onlooker that he was the reigning NBA dunk contest champion. He threw down a one-handed dunk over big man Kelly Olynyk.
That dunk was a part of a 11-point performance by Diallo, his seventh time scoring in double figures this season.
Nunn leads the Heat
Heat guard Kendrick against the Heat and the Trail Blazers played at Dallas.
• Portland guard Damian Lillard started at Dallas after being listed as questionable with an upper respiratory illness. OKC center Steven Adams sat out against the Heat with a right knee contusion.
Nunn paced Miami with 22 points. But Thunder veteran Chris Paul anticipated that the undrafted rookie could prove to be a tough opponent.
“His story is great ,” Paul said after practice Thursday .“And to not only see that, but see how he's playing. For a guy like me that watches games every night, t he aggressiveness he plays with … some people get an opportunity and don't necessarily take advantage of it. He's shown that he belongs.
Injury update
Thunder center Nerlens Noel returned from an ankle injury that sidelines him for six games, but Steven Adams (right knee contusion) was sidelined. Noel started in Adams' place.
OKC forward Ab del Nader (left ankle sprain) remained out Friday, missing his second straight game for the injury. He was walking in a boot.
Terrance Ferguson left the game in the first quarter. The Thunder said he was feeling ill. Ferguson did not return to the game.