LARIATS COME OUT SMOKIN' TO EVEN SERIES
CHICAGO -- This was not worth the 29-season wait for patient Chicago fans.
The first Finals game played in The Windy City since Season 16 blew. Right out of the gate the visitors from Oklahoma City took command and rushed to a 29-13 first-quarter advantage. By halftime the winners of the Western Division held a 20-point lead that they increased to 22 points going into the fourth.
Only then did Chicago come to life, outscoring Oklahoma City 24-12 and closing to within 10 at game's end. Point guard Didger A'doo poured in 16 points in the last quarter, getting a game-high 27 that included 7 more 3s and another MVP of the Game award.
His effort was offset by Oklahoma City's point guard Walt White, who finally came to life offensively, getting 20 points of his own to lead his team to victory and a 1-1 Finals tie in this best of five.
Beezow Bop-Bop of Chicago never could get going, hitting on just 2 of 11 shots from the field.
Next Up: With the Finals knotted up, the teams travel back to Oklahoma City for Game 3.
PLAYOFF NOTES: A'doo's 7 made 3s in this game come on the heels of the first-round clincher against San Jose when he tied a playoff record with 8 long bombs.
Fraternal twins Lemon Jell-o of Oklahoma City and Orange Jell-o of Chicago are in their first Finals against each other and it will be their last, since Orange will retire following the series.
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