Heat hold on to beat Lakers 109-102

When TNT signed up for Lakers-Heat before the season started, they thought they would get Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade in a game with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Pau Gasol. Well, half of those six were active on Thursday night, and this game was clearly a mismatch.

The Heat came out firing, and jumped out to a 57-46 lead at the half. LeBron and the Heat were getting whatever they wanted, but somehow, the Lakers wouldn’t go away. Despite trailing by double digits for most of the third quarter, the Lakers wouldn’t give up, and this one became a close one.

Pau Gasol was dominant, and he was taking advantage of the Heat’s frontcourt all night long. Nick Young struggled for most of the game, but like he always does, he kept firing, and his instant offense cut the Heat’s lead down to as small as four points. Miami kept answering though, and they continued to get timely shots. They were led by Chris Bosh, who always seems to play well against LA.

Nick Young hit a tough three-pointer, and Jodie Meeks followed him with one of his own, but Chris Bosh, Ray Allen, and LeBron James all hit tough shots in the clutch to pull it out. Miami didn’t look overly impressive tonight, as they had plenty of chances to put this one away, but couldn’t pull the trigger. They got the 109-102 win, nonetheless.

Pau Gasol finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Jodie Meeks scored 22, Nick Young had 19 points off the bench, and Kendall Marshall had 11 assists for the Lakers. Chris Bosh dropped 31 points, LeBron James had 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, and the Heat had five players in double figures. Greg Oden logged over 10 minutes in the win, which was his most since 2009, and he had 5 points, 5 rebounds, and a block.

The Heat move to 31-12, and the Lakers fall to 16-27. Kobe Bryant weighed in with his thoughts:

H/T: Jose3030