(Photo Credit: Issac Baldizon)
The Miami HEAT defeated the Washington Wizards 102-72. The HEAT avenged last week's loss to the Wizards with a dominating performance. The HEAT never trailed and pulled away in the third quarter. The HEAT host the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night.
Impact Performance of the Night: LeBron James started slow, but he finished strong. James led the HEAT with 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. In only 31 minutes of action, James dominated the action.
The Deciding Run: The HEAT jumped out early and never looked back. Just 10 minutes into the first quarter, the HEAT had a 23-7 lead. The Wizards were able to close the gap to single digits early in the second quarter, but they never truly threatened.
Play of the Game: Not so much a single play, but a series of plays. Udonis Haslem drained four of the five jumpers he attempted tonight. Haslem had only made eight all season. His ability to space the floor for the HEAT is huge. The jumper falling tonight is a great sign.
Efficiency Rating: Offensive Efficiency: 114.3; Defensive Efficiency: 80.4
Trend to Watch: The Wizards were without their top two point guards, but the HEAT defense was very good. The HEAT were active and engaged from the get-go. Quick rotations and solid closeouts set the tone. The HEAT’s defense has steadily improved. As we get closer to the end of December, their defensive ranking keeps inching towards the top ten.
The Takeaway: The HEAT hadn’t had a blowout like this in a while. LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade were all able to rest the entire fourth quarter. It’s good to get the victory, but this was a tired and injury-riddled Wizards team. I’m not sure how much we can glean from this one.
Notes: Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh all scored in double-figures. All 13 active HEAT players scored. Josh Harrellson and Terrel Harris were inactive.
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