The Miami HEAT defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 93-91 Monday night at AmericanAirlines Arena. LeBron James led the way for the HEAT with 32 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Impact Performance of the Night: You could almost tell from LeBron James’ comments before the game and by the look in his eyes that he was bound to have a good performance on Monday night.
And he did just that.
James was locked in from the start and finished the game 13-of-23 shooting for his 32 points. After missing some jumpers earlier in the first quarter, James went into attack mode and was very assertive on offense. He even lost his headband twice on tough drives to the hoop, but it didn’t faze him at all. All he cared about was getting the victory.
The Deciding Run: The HEAT went on a 13-6 run to start the second half that was capped off with a Greg Oden slam off an excellent pass from James to put the HEAT up 59-48 with 7:20 left in the third. It was a lead that the HEAT kept throughout the quarter, but more importantly continued the HEAT’s momentum from the end of the second quarter.
In that second quarter, the HEAT had a phenomenal stretch to close the half that personified Miami HEAT basketball. Miami closed the half on an 11-4 run in which it rotated quickly on defense and forced tough shots for Portland. In turn, the HEAT got out in transition where they are so deadly.
Play of the Game: With 15 seconds to go in the game, LeBron James made his move from the top of the 3-point line off a screen from Mario Chalmers. James then went past a trailing Damian Lillard and went all the way to the rim to finish a left-handed layup over Robin Lopez with 11.4 to go. On the ensuing possession, Lillard drove in from the left elbow past Norris Cole and went up for the game-tying layup which Chris Bosh swatted away for the victory.
Efficiency Rating: Offensive Efficiency: 102.1; Defensive Efficiency: 100.1
Trend to Watch: The HEAT had their best defensive outing in quite some time on Monday night as they forced Portland to shoot just 37.8 percent from the field. The Trail Blazers came back and started to hit some 3-pointers, including a Nicolas Batum 3-pointer off a drive and kick from Lillard to close the gap to 91-89 with 44.9 seconds left in the game, but as a whole Miami played stifling defense. It was the first time in a while where the HEAT pretty much had a complete game of the championship-level defense we are used to seeing. The first three and a half quarters were a very good sign heading into Wednesday’s showdown with the Pacers.
The Takeaway: Miami came out very focused and seemed to be on a mission. The HEAT fought for every loose ball which really made a difference down the stretch. Portland closed the gap in the fourth quarter thanks to more intensity on defense, but Miami would not be denied on this night. James led by example from the start with his intensity and aggression which in turn trickled down to the rest of the team.
Chris Bosh hit a few timely 3-pointers, shot 50 percent from the field and scored 15 points.
Miami’s big men duo of Greg Oden and Chris Andersen played very well against the Trail Blazers even if they were without LaMarcus Aldridge. Andersen recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. As usual, his energy and activity on the glass were instrumental for the HEAT.
Similarly, Oden made his presence felt by altering shots and making things difficult inside for Portland. He finished with four points and three rebounds in his 15:13 of play.
Notes: Mario Chalmers tweaked his right knee on a drive to the hoop early in the first quarter, but returned shortly after.
Dwyane Wade sat out due to a sprained ankle.
Game Highlights: