The suddenly slumping Miami Heat has been mired in a March rut but LeBron James and Chris Bosh rescued the two-time defending NBA Champs from another night of exasperation.
James dropped in 32 points, including the go-ahead layup with 11.7 seconds remaining, Bosh made the game-saving block on Damian Lillard’s layup, and the Heat held off the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 93-91 on Monday night.
“We had a sense of urgency from the start and we played well,” said James after the Heat’s fifth victory in the last 12 games. “I’m always happy when I can come through for my team. And CB was right on time with a great block and we were able to get the win.” Bosh had 15 points with eight rebounds while Chris Andersen added 13 points and 11 boards, as the Heat rebounded from Saturday’s 105-95 loss to New Orleans.
Playing without All-Star guard Dwyane Wade (sore ankle), Miami led 84-72 with 5 minutes 25 seconds left but couldn’t hold it.
Instead, Portland went on a 19-7 run capped by a pair of Mo Williams’ free throws to knot the contest at 91-apiece with 30.9 ticks remaining.
But James drove the left side past seven-footer Robin Lopez for the layup that proved to be the difference maker.
The Trail Blazers had two timeouts left but chose to push the ball up court in the hands of Lillard. Unable to shake free from Norris Cole for a potential game-winning 3-pointer, the speedy All-Star guard drove the left side and put up a scoop layup. But Bosh swatted the ball away just before the final buzzer and let out a primal scream of approval as the Heat escaped with the win.
“Lillard netted 19 points, Williams had 17 for the Trail Blazers, who again without All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge (back), shot a frosty 38 per cent, including 11-of-39 from behind the arc.
Other Results
San Antonio Spurs 113 – 91 Philadelphia 76ers
Chicago Bulls 89 - 77 Indiana Pacers
Oklahoma City Thunder 117 - 96 Denver Nuggets
LA Clippers 106 - 98 Milwaukee Bucks
Houston Rockets 100 - 89 Charlotte Bobcats
Phoenix Suns 102 - 95 Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies 109 - 92 Minnesota T'wolves
New Orleans Pelicans 109 - 104 (OT) Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons 114 - 94 Utah Jazz
