Thunder 99, Mavericks 98: Opening the Playoffs with a Durantastic Bang (2012 NBA Playoffs WCQF Game 1 Quick Recap)

Yahoo! Sports Box Score:

What is your initial reaction to tonight's result?

KEVIN. DURANT.

WATCH IT AGAIN

GET EDUCATED, SON

JUMP OVER ROOFTOPS AND RIP UP CHAIRS

Wait, this was game 1?

Man, I just can't get over that final shot. What made it even more amazing was the fact that it bounced all over the rim before going in. Or maybe it only bounced once. I have no clue.

But, I'll try to do so. The Thunder came behind from a 7 point 4th quarter deficit, found their late game offense, and overcame the Mavericks. Suddenly, all of the questions we had back in April have been immediately erased. Okay, so there's about 5 or 6 new questions that need answering, but for now, I'm just happy that we found our fourth quarter offense.

What was tonight's turning point?

When Durant hit THE SHOT.

What was, overall, the main reason the Thunder won?

Distribution of the ball over four main scorers, and some great pressure defense. Finally, the Thunder were able to strike a balance in both distribution and actual handling of the ball. Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka all saw equal chances at scoring. Defensively, the Thunder pressured the Mavericks quite successfully on the perimeter. It led to some really wide open threes, but it led to a lot of fast break points as well.

What is a key statistic to understanding tonight's game?

The Thunder had 11 blocks, and the Mavericks only had three. That's as simple as it gets tonight. The Mavericks won the game in three point attempts and percentage, but the Thunder dominated the game in blocks.

What does this game mean for the Thunder today and moving forward?

The win puts the Thunder up 1-0 in a seven game series, and secures the win at home. There's still a lot of questions as to how the Thunder will win the series, as this game's result was a straight up miracle.

Thunder Wonder: Kevin Durant, for THE SHOT.

Thunder Down Under: Serge Ibaka, for some key plays down the stretch and great defense.

Thunder Blunder: Derek Fisher, terrible defense, missed open shots on offense.

Thunder Plunderer: Dirk Nowitzki, for putting the team on his back late.

Next Game: Versus the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, April 30th, 8:30 PM Central Daylight Time.