Statistical Observations from Game 1 & Suggestions for Improvement

In a Finals matchup of more perimeter-oriented teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder asserted themselves more than the Miami Heat en route to a Game 1 victory. Here are some statistical observations from the game:

Fastbreak Points: OKC 24, MIA 4 -- Regular Season: OKC 16.3 FBPPG, MIA 13.4 FBPPG; OKC 11.4 Opp FBPPG, MIA 11.4 Opp FBPPG
Points in the Paint: OKC 56, MIA 40 -- Regular Season: MIA 42.1 PiPPG, OKC 41.4 PiPPG
Free-throw Attempts: OKC 27, MIA 18
Only Heat player with a positive +/-: Joel Anthony +3
Rebounds: OKC 43, MIA 35
Blocks: OKC 3, MIA 1 -- Regular Season: OKC 8.17 BPG, MIA 5.38 BPG
Other +/-: MIA: Chris Bosh -16, LeBron James -11, Udonis Haslem -10
Other +/-: OKC: Kevin Durant +15, Russell Westbrook +14, Thabo Sefolosha +14, Nick Collison +13

Areas for Improvement: Miami Heat

Play stronger inside - use Joel Anthony or Ronny Turiaf more or make Chris Bosh and LeBron James play more in the paint on offense
Consider swapping out Mike Miller for James Jones - Miller is the better overall player but still seems to be slumping, while Jones plays his 3-point specialist role well
Use Norris Cole - Mario Chalmers had a strong Game 1, but Cole brings an energy that can help wear down Derek Fisher and make Russell Westbrook play more defense
Have Dwyane Wade set the pick for pick and rolls, pick and slips, pick and fades, etc.; consider Bosh as the ballhandler - change things up, make the Thunder defense adjust, get Serge Ibaka or Kendrick Perkins chasing after the ball

Areas for Improvement: Oklahoma City Thunder

Start out stronger - down until the end of the 3rd quarter - force the issue in bench vs. bench situations
Get Kendrick Perkins involved - force the Heat to play big
Get Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook rest (46 min. and 42 min. played in Game 1, respectively) - extend the minutes of Thabo Sefolosha and James Harden
Be prepared for Heat's adjustments - continue to control the paint, play decoy defense to force turnovers and rattle the Heat

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