LeBron James stars as Miami Heat squeak past Detroit Pistons 101-98 - NBA Recap
A dominating performance in the first three frames and, after the Detroit Pistons launched a remarkable comeback, crucial free throws from LeBron James allowed Miami Heat to finish on top in their road game against the Detroit
Pistons 101-98.
The Heat were cruising to a win, ahead by 10 points 90-80, midway through the final frame, when a fierce 12-0 burst, led by Austin Daye and Greg Monroe, turned the game on its head.
Pistons strengthened their defence in the ensuing passage and kept attacking to maintain a small but significant lead. Jonas Jerebko’s three with one and a half minute remaining in the game put Pistons ahead by 98-95. After that
though, it was all Miami as LeBron spearheaded his side to victory.
LeBron first netted three from the free throw line to make it 98 all and then pounded three more in the last few seconds to complete a 6-0 Miami run and seal the win. The Pistons unable to respond.
Miami entered the game without Dwyane Wade, who has now missed six straight games due to an ankle injury. In his absence, the two other components of the “Big Three” once again took responsibility and carried the team forward.
LeBron James was phenomenal throughout and led the Heat with a game high 32 points on 13-for-14 from the charity stripe, 6 boards and 7 assists. Chris Bosh supported him well and pounded 27 on a near perfect shooting, knocking
down 12 for 15 from the floor, while Mario Chalmers chipped in with 16 including 3 for 5 from the long range.
Reserve Mike Miller came off the bench and drained 10 points in his 25:54 minutes inside the court for the Heat, who were accurate with their shooting- (52.1%) from the floor and (22-25) from the charity stripe.
Austin Daye paced the Pistons with a career high 28 points on 10 for 18 from inside the arc while Greg Monroe had a double-double with 20 points and 10 boards. Rookie point guard Brandon Knight was 7-for-14 from the floor and finished
with 17 points whereas Rodney Stuckey accumulated 15 points including 9 for 12 from the charity stripe.
Pistons shot 50% from the floor including 7-for-22 from downtown but they committed 22 turnovers, which played an important part in their loss.
On another day, against a lesser team, Detroit’s late charge could have garnered them an impressive victory. Unfortunately for them though, this Miami Heat side doesn’t look like getting beaten any time soon.
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