James scores 14 as Heat lead Thunder 54-47

LeBron James scored 14 points and defensive specialist Shane Battier added 13 as the Miami Heat held a 54-47 lead after the first half of the opening game of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

Kevin Durant scored 13 points on five of seven shooting for the Thunder, who shot well (56 percent) but were plagued by eight turnovers.

The Heat, who at one stage led by as many as 13 in the opening half, held a 29-22 lead after the first period by hitting 11 of 21 shots (52 percent) from the floor, including five of six from beyond the arc.

Game Two of the best-of-seven series will be on Thursday, again at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)