Heat Answer Critics In Spurs Victory
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The big question coming into Tuesday's night game for the Miami Heat was whether the team could right the ship after a three game losing streak without Dwyane Wade in the lineup.
As NBA announcer Marv Albert would say, "Yes!"
LeBron James and Chris Bosh both went for more than 30 points in the victory and the Heat rallied in a near record-breaking third quarter to upend the Spurs, 120-98.
The victory showed the rest of the NBA that even without one of the Big Three in the lineup; the Heat is still arguably the most dangerous team in the NBA.
"We have a great luxury with three players who can do special things when you need it," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
But it wasn't just James and Bosh who gave Miami a shot-in-the-arm. Mike Miller got his first playing time of the season and responded by shooting 100 percent from behind the arc and also contributed four rebounds to the win.
Turnovers have plagued the Heat throughout the season, but during Tuesday's game, the Heat were +5 in turnover margin.
The Heat's point guard play continued to be very good on the young season. Starter Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole combined to score 21 points and shot better than 60 percent from three-point land.
All of it came as the Heat opened a home-stand that will feature games against the Lakers, 76ers, and Bulls among others. The Heat plays eight of their next nine games at home.
Despite San Antonio's size advantage, the Heat still ran away with the game without inserting Dexter Pittman into the lineup, and they continued to sit Eddy Curry while he gets into better game shape.
It was an impressive display in front of a crowd of nearly 20,000 at the AmericanAirlines Arena and sets the Heat up for a solid run during the next nine games.
But, Heat fans should also remember, it's not going to be every night that the team shoots nearly 60 percent from the field and nearly 62 percent from behind the three point line.
In addition, the Heat have to increase their free throw shooting as games get tougher in the coming months.
