NBA Recap: Miami Heat Survive Charlotte Bobcats’ Late Surge, 94-93
The Miami Heat got solid contributions all around to survive three potential game winners from the Charlotte Bobcats to snap a three-game home losing streak, 94-93. The Bobcats had three chances for the go-ahead basket but two tries from starting point guard caromed off the rim a last ditch put back by centre Al Jefferson missed its mark and ensured the win for the home team.
The Heat relied on a balance effort while missing superstar Dwayne Wade for the fourth game due to nagging hamstring injury. Former Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng paced the team with 26 markers while centre Chris Bosh added 20 points and 10 rebounds and ball distributor Mario Chalmers continued his excellent play with a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists.
The Heat were up by 9 at halftime but that lead was quickly eclipsed by the visiting team at the start of third with a 11-2 run to tie the game at 55 apiece. The Bobcats got solid contributions from Al Jefferson (22 points, 12 rebounds), Lance Stephenson (17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Kemba Walker (16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) but fell to a disappointing 4-10, prompting coach Steve Clifford to say that the close games are deflating will take a toll on future performances.
"The stretch of games we've played has definitely taken their toll on our confidence," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said per ESPN.
The last minutes of the game surely will take the life out of the Bobcats. After leading by 8 points with just 6 minutes in the game steadied by a defence that suffocated the home team into just 2 field goals in more than 9 minutes of play, the three-time NBA champions draw fire from Bosh and rookie Shabazz Napier who drained three point shots to set-up the wild finish.
Down one with just under 40 seconds to go, Bosh spun off Cody Zeller to deliver the lead for the Heat at 94-93. The Bobcats tried to go for a 2-for-1 possession but Kemba Walker's shot misfired with 26 left. A mad scramble for the loose ball resulted to an out of bound possession that was awarded to the Bobcats. The last play was a flurry as walker went toe-to-toe with fellow Connecticut player Napier but missed the shot. Jefferson missed the winning tip as time expired leaving preserving the one point lead and the win for the Heat.
The Heat are scheduled to hold the surging Golden State Warriors (10-2) on Tuesday while the Bobcats will try to get their winning ways back on track against visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.