Miami Heat beat the Lakers 107-97
“You could feel the buzz in the arena today. We were just happy that we were able to play our game, weather some of their storms that they had and come out with a win,” said LeBron James.
The Miami Heat defeated the Los Angles Lakers 107-97 thanks to 32 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists from LeBron James. This was James’ fifth consecutive 30 point game, that set a franchise record for the Heat. For the Lakers, Kobe had a great game with 28 points on an efficient 11 for 19 shooting and added 9 assists and 6 rebounds to the mix.
The Laker who had the second most shot attempts was Earl Clark, who shot 8 for 17 for 18 points and 9 rebounds. Steve Nash got to the line 8 times and made all 8 for 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. “We had our chances, but we weren’t good enough tonight,” Nash said. “We had too many breakdowns and we had opportunities to stretch the lead at times in the game and we couldn’t do that either so probably in the end we didn’t deserve it.”
Dwight Howard played 41 minutes and shot 6 for 9 for 15 points and added 9 rebounds. Ideally, Nash and Howard ought to take at least 10 shots if not 15. But the Miami defense takes away a lot of good looks. Metta World Peace shot 3 for 11 for 9 points. He wasn’t much of a factor on defense either.
“I say this to Miami fans, don’t take it for granted. He’s making greatness look easy,” Heat coach Eric Spoelstra said about LeBron James.
The big three came up real big for Miami. James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh shot a combined 30 of 49 from the field. James shot 12 of 18 from the field and went 7 of 8 from the free throw line. Wade also shot 12 of 18 for 30 points and added 5 assists and 2 rebounds with 3 steals. Bosh was listed as questionable for this game but he started and finished with 12 points on 6 for 13 shooting with 11 rebounds. “They have a couple of sensational players over there that made some big plays,” Bryant said. Shane Battier chipped in off the bench with 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Although the Lakers shot 50% from field and went 7 for 12 from three point range, they still ended up losing. Miami shot 55% from the field and out-rebounded the Lakers 38-29 and took 10 shot attempts more than the Lakers. The Lakers actually got to the line more than the Heat too, going 20 of 26 to the Heat’s 13 for 14. The Heat really clamped down in the fourth quarter, forcing seven turnovers from the Lakers. “Turnovers,” said Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni. “You have to give them credit. They’re good.”
Dwyane Wade also turned it up a notch in towards the end, scoring 18 points in the last two quarters. “D-Wade came and he just started cooking in the fourth quarter,” Bryant said. “He started doing what D-Wade does and made sensational play after sensational play.”
Rap Beef alert
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade may have their mojo on the court, but they gotta bring the swag off it too. Lil Wayne seems to think so at least. Speaking of Wade and LeBron, Lil Wayne had said, “Them n****s never speak to a n***a. They don’t chuck me the deuce or nothing. N***a spent all that money on them f*****g tickets … Come holla at me. We sit right by them little b***h-a** n***s. At least come ask me why I’m not rooting for you.”
And last night, in appreciation of good rap music and as a stand against what Lil Wayne spews out, the rapper was ejected from the game for rooting for the Lakers. Or at least that’s what I like to believe. Much more fun than accepting that he left on his own accord due to some disagreement with the security staff. “In response to your inquiry, please note that Lil Wayne was not ejected from the building. He chose to leave,” said a Heat representative.
Regardless, the Lakers lost this one and are now 24-28 as the Heat improved to 34-14. The window for the Lakers to sneak in to the playoffs is shrinking with every game. They play the Suns next, hopefully they can right their ship against a weaker team. Following which, they will go up against the Clippers who just beat the Knicks today, 102-88.
Here are the highlights: