INSIDER
Spoelstra laments 'horrendous mistake' after calling timeout Heat didn't have in OT loss to Pistons
Read full article: Spoelstra laments 'horrendous mistake' after calling timeout Heat didn't have in OT loss to PistonsErik Spoelstra is blaming himself for a “horrendous mistake” after calling a timeout the Miami Heat didn’t have with 1.1 seconds left in overtime.
Bam Adebayo scores 32 points to help the Heat beat the Wizards, 118-98 in Mexico City
Read full article: Bam Adebayo scores 32 points to help the Heat beat the Wizards, 118-98 in Mexico CityBam Adebayo scored 20 of his 32 points in the first half and the Miami Heat beat the Washington Wizards 118-98 on Saturday night in the 14th NBA regular-season game in Mexico.
Karl-Anthony Towns scores 44 points, Knicks rally in 2nd half to beat Heat 116-107
Read full article: Karl-Anthony Towns scores 44 points, Knicks rally in 2nd half to beat Heat 116-107Karl-Anthony Towns had 44 points and 13 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half and the New York Knicks rallied to beat the Miami Heat 116-107 on Wednesday night.
Banchero scores 33, Orlando Magic roll in 2nd half to beat Heat on opening night
Read full article: Banchero scores 33, Orlando Magic roll in 2nd half to beat Heat on opening nightPaolo Banchero scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Franz Wagner scored 23 and the Orlando Magic rolled past the Miami Heat in the opener for both teams.
Celtics advance to East semifinals, beating short-handed Heat 118-84 in Game 5
Read full article: Celtics advance to East semifinals, beating short-handed Heat 118-84 in Game 5Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 25 points and the Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, beating the short-handed Miami Heat 118-84 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Derrick White scores 38, Celtics top Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 East playoff series lead
Read full article: Derrick White scores 38, Celtics top Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 East playoff series leadDerrick White scored a career-high 38 points, Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Celtics' Porzingis leaves playoff game in Miami with right calf tightness
Read full article: Celtics' Porzingis leaves playoff game in Miami with right calf tightnessBoston center Kristaps Porzingis left the Celtics’ playoff game in Miami on Monday night late in the first half with what the team said was right calf tightness.
Celtics lead wire-to-wire in Miami, roll past Heat 104-84 for 2-1 lead in East series
Read full article: Celtics lead wire-to-wire in Miami, roll past Heat 104-84 for 2-1 lead in East seriesJayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 22 points, and the Boston Celtics soundly beat the Miami Heat 104-84 to a take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday night.
Herro scores 24, Heat hit franchise playoff-record 23 3s to beat Boston and even series 1-1
Read full article: Herro scores 24, Heat hit franchise playoff-record 23 3s to beat Boston and even series 1-1Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.
The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finale
Read full article: The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finaleTyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game.
Joel Embiid scores 23 points, has the big assist as 76ers beat Heat in play-in to earn No. 7 seed
Read full article: Joel Embiid scores 23 points, has the big assist as 76ers beat Heat in play-in to earn No. 7 seedJoel Embiid had 23 points, 15 rebounds and one huge assist to Kelly Oubre Jr. on a late go-ahead three-point play that led the 76ers to a 105-104 win over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Wednesday night.
Thompson scores 28, Golden State runs away in 2nd half to top Miami 113-92
Read full article: Thompson scores 28, Golden State runs away in 2nd half to top Miami 113-92Klay Thompson scored 28 points, Jonathan Kuminga added 18 and the Golden State Warriors pulled away in the second half to beat the still-shorthanded Miami Heat 113-92.
Brunson scores 32 points, Knicks win 6th straight and send Heat to 6th loss in a row, 125-109
Read full article: Brunson scores 32 points, Knicks win 6th straight and send Heat to 6th loss in a row, 125-109Jalen Brunson had 32 points and eight assists and the New York Knicks beat Miami 125-109 on Saturday, winning their sixth straight and sending the Heat to a sixth consecutive loss.
Paolo Banchero scores 20 as Magic turn back cold-shooting Heat 105-87
Read full article: Paolo Banchero scores 20 as Magic turn back cold-shooting Heat 105-87Paolo Banchero led five Orlando starters in double figures with 20 points and the Magic handed the Miami Heat their third straight loss 105-87.
For some NBA players, an early season injury can doom postseason award chances
Read full article: For some NBA players, an early season injury can doom postseason award chancesThe NBA added and tweaked some policies this season with hopes of getting players to appear in more games and take fewer nights off to rest.
Heat enter camp believing they can contend, and Herro remains in the Miami mix
Read full article: Heat enter camp believing they can contend, and Herro remains in the Miami mixAfter a summer where the Miami Heat were hoping to land Damian Lillard, the reigning Eastern Conference champions reported for training camp on Monday with a familiar refrain in mind.
Heat's Tyler Herro available to play in Game 5 of NBA Finals
Read full article: Heat's Tyler Herro available to play in Game 5 of NBA FinalsMiami guard Tyler Herro was available to play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, nearly two months after breaking his right hand and with the Heat facing elimination against the Denver Nuggets.
For Nuggets rookie Christian Braun, praise from mom is high praise indeed
Read full article: For Nuggets rookie Christian Braun, praise from mom is high praise indeedNuggets rookie Christian Braun gets high praise from coach Michael Malone, and his star teammates Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray also rave about the rookie.
Tatum scores 33, Celtics stave off elimination by topping Heat 116-99 in Game 4
Read full article: Tatum scores 33, Celtics stave off elimination by topping Heat 116-99 in Game 4Jayson Tatum scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 17 points and the Boston Celtics staved off elimination in the Eastern Conference finals by running away in the second half to beat the Miami Heat 116-99 in Game 4 on Tuesday night.
Bucks make 25 3s, beat Heat 138-122 without Antetokounmpo
Read full article: Bucks make 25 3s, beat Heat 138-122 without AntetokounmpoBrook Lopez scored 25 points, Jrue Holiday added 24 and the hot-shooting Milwaukee Bucks withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence while trouncing the Miami Heat 138-122, tying their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Heat rip Bucks 130-117 in Game 1; Giannis, Herro injured
Read full article: Heat rip Bucks 130-117 in Game 1; Giannis, Herro injuredJimmy Butler scored 35 points and the Miami Heat capitalized on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s early exit to beat the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 130-117 in an Eastern Conference playoff opener featuring two notable injuries.
Heat eliminate Bulls 102-91, will face Bucks in Round 1
Read full article: Heat eliminate Bulls 102-91, will face Bucks in Round 1Max Strus and Jimmy Butler scored 31 points apiece, and the Miami Heat got into the playoffs by rallying in the final minutes to beat the Chicago Bulls 102-91 in an Eastern Conference play-in game Friday night.
Hawks grab No. 7 seed in East, hold off Heat 116-105
Read full article: Hawks grab No. 7 seed in East, hold off Heat 116-105Trae Young scored 25 points, Clint Capela grabbed 21 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks grabbed the No. 7 in the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating the Miami Heat 116-105 in a play-in tournament game Tuesday night.
Mikal Bridges scores career-high 45, Nets beat Heat 116-105
Read full article: Mikal Bridges scores career-high 45, Nets beat Heat 116-105Mikal Bridges scored a career-high 45 points, including 15 in a row for Brooklyn to break open a game that had been close for 3 1/2 quarters, and the Nets beat the Miami Heat 116-105 on in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.
Adebayo scores 30, Heat storm back to stun Suns 113-112
Read full article: Adebayo scores 30, Heat storm back to stun Suns 113-112Bam Adebayo scored 30 points, including a pair of free throws to put Miami up for good with 35 seconds left, and the Heat rallied from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 113-112.
Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104
Read full article: Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown added 28 and the Boston Celtics topped the Miami Heat 111-104 on Friday night in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals.
Butler scores 47 points, Heat beat Celtics to force Game 7
Read full article: Butler scores 47 points, Heat beat Celtics to force Game 7Jimmy Butler had 47 points, nine rebounds and eight assists and the Miami Heat forced the Eastern Conference finals to a decisive seventh game by beating the Boston Celtics 111-103 on Friday night.
Celtics run past Heat 93-80, move a win from NBA Finals
Read full article: Celtics run past Heat 93-80, move a win from NBA FinalsJaylen Brown scored 25 points, Jayson Tatum added 22 and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of a berth in the NBA Finals, running away after halftime to beat the Miami Heat 93-80 and take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference title series.
Celtics roll past Heat 127-102, tie Eastern finals at 1-1
Read full article: Celtics roll past Heat 127-102, tie Eastern finals at 1-1Jayson Tatum scored 27 points, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown each scored 24 and the Boston Celtics dominated the first half to roll past the Miami Heat 127-102 and tie the Eastern Conference finals at a game apiece.
Butler scores 41, Heat take Game 1 from Celtics 118-107
Read full article: Butler scores 41, Heat take Game 1 from Celtics 118-107Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, and the Miami Heat turned things around with a huge third quarter on the way to beating the shorthanded Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night.
Spoelstra, Udoka have Heat and Celtics ready for East finals
Read full article: Spoelstra, Udoka have Heat and Celtics ready for East finalsBoston Celtics coach Ime Udoka and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra have enormous respect for each other and a bond that stems from their shared history in the sport.
Heat roll past 76ers 120-85 in Game 5, take 3-2 series lead
Read full article: Heat roll past 76ers 120-85 in Game 5, take 3-2 series leadJimmy Butler scored 23 points, Max Strus added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the Miami Heat moved one win away from a trip to the Eastern Conference finals by topping the Philadelphia 76ers 120-85.
Embiid returns from injury, 76ers beat Heat 99-79 in Game 3
Read full article: Embiid returns from injury, 76ers beat Heat 99-79 in Game 3Joel Embiid inspired the Philadelphia 76ers with his return from a facial injury, Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each scored 21 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Miami Heat 99-79 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Adebayo, Butler lead Heat past 76ers 119-103 in Game 2
Read full article: Adebayo, Butler lead Heat past 76ers 119-103 in Game 2Bam Adebayo scored 23 points, Jimmy Butler had 22 points and 12 assists, and the Miami Heat beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-103 on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Herro scores 25, Heat take Game 1 over 76ers 106-92
Read full article: Herro scores 25, Heat take Game 1 over 76ers 106-92Tyler Herro scored 25 points, Bam Adebayo finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the Miami Heat topped the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers 106-92 on Monday night in the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Young hits floater with 4.4 left, Hawks beat Heat 111-110
Read full article: Young hits floater with 4.4 left, Hawks beat Heat 111-110Trae Young hit a floater in the lane with 4.4 seconds left and the Atlanta Hawks overcame a 16-point deficit in the second half to beat top-seeded Miami 111-110 on Friday night, cutting the Heat’s series lead to 2-1.
Butler scores 45, Heat defeat Hawks 115-105 for 2-0 lead
Read full article: Butler scores 45, Heat defeat Hawks 115-105 for 2-0 leadJimmy Butler scored a playoff career-high 45 points, including a personal 7-0 run in the final moments, and the Miami Heat held off the Atlanta Hawks 115-105 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Tuesday night.
Maxey scores 28 as 76ers, without Harden, Embiid, beat Heat
Read full article: Maxey scores 28 as 76ers, without Harden, Embiid, beat HeatTyrese Maxey scored 13 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, including nine in a row during a crucial stretch, to lead the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers to a 113-106 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat.
Booker has 23 points in return, Suns roll past Heat 111-90
Read full article: Booker has 23 points in return, Suns roll past Heat 111-90Devin Booker scored 23 points, Mikal Bridges added 21 and the Phoenix Suns shook off a slow start to beat the Miami Heat 111-90 on Wednesday night in a matchup of the NBA’s conference leaders.
Durant has 31 points in return, but Heat rally to beat Nets
Read full article: Durant has 31 points in return, but Heat rally to beat NetsKevin Durant’s return couldn’t stop the Brooklyn Nets’ slide, as Bam Adebayo had 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lead the Miami Heat to a 113-107 victory.
Holiday's basket caps huge rally as Bucks stun Heat 120-119
Read full article: Holiday's basket caps huge rally as Bucks stun Heat 120-119Jrue Holiday banked in a driving layup with 1.9 seconds left and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final six minutes to beat the Miami Heat 120-119.
Robinson scores 25 to lead Heat to 110-96 win over Knicks
Read full article: Robinson scores 25 to lead Heat to 110-96 win over KnicksDuncan Robinson scored 25 points while shooting 7 of 11 from 3-point range to lead four Miami players with 20 or more points in the Heat’s 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks.
Lakers rally late in regulation, hold off Heat 120-117 in OT
Read full article: Lakers rally late in regulation, hold off Heat 120-117 in OTMalik Monk scored five of his season-high 27 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a big deficit in the final minutes of regulation before surging in overtime for a 120-117 victory over the Miami Heat.
Herro scores 27 points, Heat rout Bucks 137-95 in opener
Read full article: Herro scores 27 points, Heat rout Bucks 137-95 in openerTyler Herro scored 27 points in 24 minutes off the bench, Jimmy Butler added 21 and the Miami Heat opened their season with an easy 137-95 victory over the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
Butler scores 29 as Heat beat Magic for 4th straight win
Read full article: Butler scores 29 as Heat beat Magic for 4th straight winORLANDO, Fla. – Jimmy Butler started Sunday night’s game against Orlando by winning the opening tip and ended it with a steal and win-sealing layup as the Miami Heat topped the Magic 102-97. In between, the standout guard was pretty good, too, helping the Heat win their fourth straight and for a 10th time in 11 games. Butler’s defense led to 23 Orlando turnovers and 26 points off those mistakes for the Heat. The Magic, who are 1-2 this season against the rival Heat, haven’t won since Feb. 21. … GM Anthony Parker and head coach Stan Heath of the G League champion Lakeland Magic attended Sunday’s game.
Heat top Magic 111-103, get over .500 for 1st time this year
Read full article: Heat top Magic 111-103, get over .500 for 1st time this yearMIAMI – For the first time this season, the Miami Heat have a winning record. Miami opened the season with a loss to Orlando, and had gone 0-6 in opportunities this season to move over .500 — until Thursday. Tyler Herro scored 17 points, Kendrick Nunn had 13 and Goran Dragic added 11 for the Heat. All-Star Nikola Vucevic finished with 24 points and a game-high 17 rebounds for the Magic, who have dropped six straight. MAGIC CHAMPSOrlando’s G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, won that league’s championship Thursday by topping the Philadelphia-affiliated Delaware Blue Coats.
Butler, Dragic carry Heat past NBA-best Jazz, 124-116
Read full article: Butler, Dragic carry Heat past NBA-best Jazz, 124-116Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) goes to the basket as Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – The Miami Heat don't believe in statement wins. “A high-level game," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “and we had some big plays down the stretch." Duncan Robinson scored 15 and Kendrick Nunn added 12 for the Heat, who held Utah to 29% shooting in the fourth quarter. It was the sixth game in Heat history in which both teams had at least 94 points through three quarters.
Spurs game at Detroit called off over virus-related concerns
Read full article: Spurs game at Detroit called off over virus-related concerns(AP Photo/Darren Abate)Tuesday’s game between San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons has been postponed, marking the second time this month that the NBA has called off a game because of coronavirus-related issues. The NBA does not announce the names of players who test positive; some have revealed positive tests on their own. Being ruled out because of the protocols can suggest any number of things, including a positive test, a suspected positive test or contact-tracing data showing that a player may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19. AdThe only other game called off this month for a virus-related issue was on Feb. 1, also involving the Pistons — Detroit's night game at Denver was postponed because of contact tracing issues involving the Pistons. Miami’s Tyler Herro missed a game last week because of a suspected positive test; subsequent tests showed he was fine and he was permitted to return to the Heat lineup after the one-game absence.
Heat say Herro may miss time for virus-related issue
Read full article: Heat say Herro may miss time for virus-related issue(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)MIAMI – The Miami Heat may have another player missing games for virus-related reasons, after second-year guard Tyler Herro revealed that someone who lives with him tested positive for COVID-19. The reason the Heat cited for having Herro on the report is the NBA’s health and safety protocols, which only means it is a virus-related reason and does not suggest that he tested positive. If Herro cannot play Monday, he’d become the ninth Heat player on that list. Herro is tested daily and obviously had not tested positive Saturday, since the NBA and Heat permitted him to be on the floor; he played a team-high 40 minutes and scored 15 points. “Someone who lives with me tested positive before the game and I found out at halftime.
'We have to figure this out': Heat say turnaround will come
Read full article: 'We have to figure this out': Heat say turnaround will comeMiami Heat players Udonis Haslem, left, talks to Jimmy Butler during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Miami. The Miami Heat aren’t believing that quite yet — even after a disastrous start to the 2020-21 campaign. “Heat Nation, we are going to figure this out,” All-Star center Bam Adebayo said. AdThe year after losing the finals has not been kind to the most recent teams who have dropped the title series. Tyler Herro missed seven games with neck spasms.
Harden, Durant help Nets break away late, beat Heat 98-85
Read full article: Harden, Durant help Nets break away late, beat Heat 98-85Harden and Durant each scored 20 points despite three relatively quiet quarters, and the Nets broke away with a big run in the fourth to beat the Miami Heat 98-85 on Monday night. Kyrie Irving added 16 points for the Nets, who completed a sweep of the Heat in two games that couldn't have been more different. “I think our defense held tight the whole game,” Durant said. Miami took a 45-41 edge into halftime, going just 4 for 19 on 3s but doubling the Nets' makes after they went 2 for 17. Nets: Durant missed his first six 3-point attempts before sinking one in the third quarter.
Durant, Irving help Nets hold off Adebayo, Heat 128-124
Read full article: Durant, Irving help Nets hold off Adebayo, Heat 128-124Miami Heat's Gabe Vincent (2) defends against Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, in New York. Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Kyrie Irving took over late and had 28 and the Nets overcame Adebayo's career-high 41 points to beat the Miami Heat 128-124 on Saturday night. Irving helped pull the Nets through with 12 points in the final 5:48 after the Heat had erased nearly all of an 18-point deficit. Adebayo beat the buzzer with a jumper, than Miami opened the fourth with a 13-0 run to get within 96-95. Irving, Harden and Durant quickly combined for eight straight points but Adebayo kept coming, and the Nets needed a couple of clutch baskets from Irving and late free throws to pull it out.
Pritchard's putback pushes Celtics past Heat, 107-105
Read full article: Pritchard's putback pushes Celtics past Heat, 107-105Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)MIAMI – Payton Pritchard wasn't there last season when the Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. Pritchard's putback with two-tenths of a second left capped a wild finish, and the Celtics beat the Heat 107-105 in the first matchup this season of last year's East finalists. Jimmy Butler had 26 points for Miami, which got 16 points from Duncan Robinson, 15 points from Bam Adebayo and 14 from Goran Dragic. The Heat cut the lead to eight by halftime, part of what became a 39-17 run that saw Miami lead by five in the third quarter.
Mavericks star Luka Doncic sidelined by quadriceps contusion
Read full article: Mavericks star Luka Doncic sidelined by quadriceps contusionDallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, shoots over Miami Heat's Tyler Herro (14) and Bam Adebayo, obscured, as Miami's Jimmy Butler (22) and Dallas' Dwight Powell watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Dallas. All rights reservedCHICAGO – Luka Doncic sat out the Dallas Mavericks' game Sunday night against the Chicago Bulls because of a left quadriceps contusion. Doncic was injured Friday night in the second quarter of a home victory over Miami Heat. “We don't think this is a long-term thing.”The 21-year-old Slovenian star is off to a relatively slow start this season. He's averaging 24.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists, shooting 43.2% overall and 16.1% on 3-pointers in five games.
Heat avenge embarrassment, rally to top Bucks 119-108
Read full article: Heat avenge embarrassment, rally to top Bucks 119-108Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, bottom, and Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa go for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – The Miami Heat engineered a 58-point turnaround against the Milwaukee Bucks in 24 hours. Milwaukee’s lead was 72-58 early in the second half, 84-73 with 3:44 left in the third. Milwaukee had 21 points after four minutes Tuesday; the Bucks were held to four in the first four minutes Wednesday. Miami finished 2020 at 36-29 (22-22 regular season, 14-7 playoffs).
2020: A year where the fist-bump became mainstream greeting
Read full article: 2020: A year where the fist-bump became mainstream greetingFor a fist bump — the official greeting of 2020, and probably beyond. ... That fist bump was, ‘I see you, I hear you, I’m connecting with you, but I’m keeping you safe.’”Safety is the primary reason why the status of the fist bump elevated big-time this year. But let's face it: They lack the coolness of the fist bump. “Well, it was a fist bump because of the situation, but still, how many people can say they got a congratulatory fist bump from Jack Nicklaus?”This year, probably more than ever. But a fist bump is still good.
Bucks set NBA record for 3's, roll past Heat 144-97
Read full article: Bucks set NBA record for 3's, roll past Heat 144-97On Tuesday, they set the NBA record for 3's in a game. The Bucks made a record 29 3-pointers in their 144-97 romp past the reigning Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat on Tuesday night. The previous record for 3’s in a game was 27, set by the Houston Rockets against the Phoenix Suns on April 7, 2019. It was the biggest road win in Bucks history, topping the 39-point margin at New York on April 10, 1987. It was the first time since Feb. 13, 2017 that he played, scored less than 10 points and the Bucks won anyway.
Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98
Read full article: Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) dribbles against Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Joel Auerbach)MIAMI – Erik Spoelstra remained perfect on Christmas, and a record-tying show from Duncan Robinson helped him stay that way. Robinson made seven 3-pointers — tying the Christmas single-game mark — and scored 23 points, helping the Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-98 to start the NBA’s holiday quintupleheader Friday. Goran Dragic scored 18 points, Bam Adebayo had 17 and Avery Bradley finished with 12 for Miami, and Spoelstra improved his Christmas record as Heat coach to 8-0. COMING HOMEVeteran ref John Goble was crew chief and got to be home for Christmas; he’s a Miami native.
Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston Garden
Read full article: Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston GardenBrooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. Irving scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals helping the Nets rout the Celtics 113-89 Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. There were no fans in the new Boston Garden on Friday night, and his introduction was greeted with a faint, fake cheer. Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Heat, while Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and Tyler Herro scored 10. McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting and Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points in the loss.
NBA Finals get intense, and Game 6 of Lakers-Heat looms
Read full article: NBA Finals get intense, and Game 6 of Lakers-Heat loomsThe Heat have talked since the NBA Finals started about a need to play almost perfect basketball against the Lakers. “One thing about this team that we are playing, they make you pay for every mistake,” James said after Game 5. So, we have to understand that.”James is about to set the record for NBA playoff game appearances. Nobody has had more 40-point NBA Finals games in a loss than he has — the record-setting fifth entry on that list coming Friday in Miami’s 111-108 win. “We’re motivated to win Game 6 and they are motivated to win Game 6,” Davis said.
King James scores 40, but his Lakers coronation has to wait
Read full article: King James scores 40, but his Lakers coronation has to waitThe Lakers took their final timeout after Jimmy Butler's free throws gave the Heat a 107-106 lead with 16 seconds to play. “We got a hell of a look to win the game, to win the series,” James said. James had never missed a chance to close out an NBA Finals series after getting to three wins. There's been only one 3-1 lead overcome in the NBA Finals, and James was the catalyst that time with Cleveland in 2016. “We've just got to be better in Game 6 and close the series,” James said.
Heat force Game 6, top Lakers to stave off elimination
Read full article: Heat force Game 6, top Lakers to stave off elimination“That’s Jimmy Butler," Heat center Bam Adebayo said. Butler got fouled with 46.7 seconds left, then slumped over the baseline video boards, clearly exhausted. He made both foul shots for a one-point lead; Davis’ putback with 21.8 seconds left got the Lakers back on top. Butler drove the lane, drew contact and made both with 16.8 seconds left for a 109-108 lead. Lakers: James and Davis were a combined 24 for 36.
Lakers top Heat 102-96, take 3-1 lead in NBA Finals
Read full article: Lakers top Heat 102-96, take 3-1 lead in NBA FinalsJames and the Lakers are back in control of these NBA Finals, one win away from the franchise's 17th championship. James finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Anthony Davis' 3-pointer with 39.5 seconds left finally settled matters and the Lakers beat the Miami Heat 102-96 in Game 4. The Lakers lead 3-1 and can win the title when the series resumes Friday. 3-1 LEADSThis is the 36th time that a team has held a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. It was just the third time in the last 26 NBA Finals games that neither team reached 50 points in the first 24 minutes.