Wall's Wizards Slip Past Heat 105-103
The Heat unleashed everything they had on the streaking Wizards, but star power prevailed as Washington escaped with a 105-103 win decided in the final seconds.
John Wall and Nene Hilario scored 20 a piece and Brad Beal added 16 as Washington handed Miami their first five-game home losing streak since March 2008. Wall started slow but exploded for 14 points in the second half, patiently utilizing superior quickness to slice through Miami's defense.
Dwyane Wade led Miami with 28 points and eight assists on 12-for-26 shooting, but it was an untimely turnover in the final seconds that sealed the Heat's fate.
Down 101-97, Wade drilled a clutch three to cut the lead to one with 16 seconds remaining. Seconds later with the Wizards clinging to a 103-100 lead, Beal turned Wade over with a chance to extend the game.
Luol Deng scored 19 points and Mario Chalmers added 14. Miami dropped to 12-15 on the year, and an abysmal 4-9 at home.
The Heat hosts the eighth place Celtics on Sunday.
Notes
- Tonight's starting lineup of Chalmers, Wade, Deng, Shawne Williams, and Chris Andersen marked the 12th different starting lineup of the season for Miami.
- Heat center Hassan Whiteside logged his first extensive action as a member of the team and filled up the box score. In 16 minutes, he tallied six points (3/3 FG), seven rebounds, a block, two steals, and five fouls.
- Chris Andersen left the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter but would return. Chris Bosh sat out his fourth straight game with a strained calf.
