NBA News Wire

Heat 113, Spurs 101

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

MIAMI — In a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals, guard Dwyane Wade returned from the injured list and the Miami Heat easily defeated the San Antonio Spurs 113-101 on Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Heat forwards Chris Bosh (24 points) and LeBron James (18 points) starred as Miami improved its home record to 19-3.

Bosh made 9 of 10 shots from the floor, including his 32nd 3-pointer of the season, which is already a career high. He also made 5 of 5 from the foul line in 28 minutes.

James added seven rebounds and six assists in 26 minutes.

Wade, who had missed four straight games due to knee soreness, came in off the bench for the first time since 2008 and had eight points for Miami (32-12), which extended its modest win streak to three games. Wade played 24 minutes.

As a team, the Heat shot 58 percent from the floor and were never seriously challenged.

San Antonio (33-11) was led by center Tim Duncan, who had 23 points. Forward Boris Diaw added 15 points.

Before the game, James said the Spurs’ arrival in Miami brought back memories from the Heat’s win over San Antonio in last year’s NBA Finals.

“It was one of the greatest Finals the NBA has ever seen,” James said. “I was ecstatic, excited, humbled and blessed to be a part of it.”

The Heat on Sunday, playing with all 15 of its players healthy for the first time all season, came out firing, leading 8-0 two minutes into the game. The Heat shot 72 percent in the first quarter and took a 34-28 lead heading into the second.

Miami increased its lead to 58-50 at the half, overcoming 17 points by Duncan. Miami shot 59 percent for the first half, compared to 49 percent for San Antonio.

The third quarter was more of the same as the Heat outscored San Antonio 33-21 to take a 91-71 lead. Through three quarters, the Heat shot 60 percent.

Bosh was perfect in the third quarter, scoring 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting from the floor and 5 of 5 on the foul line.

NOTES: G Toney Douglas and F James Jones were the Heat’s healthy scratches. … The wife of Heat G Ray Allen had a mural painted of his memorable shot that helped beat the Spurs in Game 6 of last year’s NBA Finals. It hangs above their fireplace, and Allen has called the shot the greatest of his career. … Injuries have forced the Spurs to use 15 different starting lineups in 44 games. On Sunday, the Spurs were without three starters: C Tiago Splitter (shoulder), F Kawhi Leonard (broken right hand) and G Danny Green (broken left hand). … The Heat have used 12 different starting lineups. Their preferred lineup — Gs Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers, Fs LeBron James and Shane Battier and C Chris Bosh — has been together for just 17 games. … Next up for the Heat is a home game Wednesday against Oklahoma City. … The Spurs visit the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

Trending Now