The Miami Heat resumed their winning ways on Friday night as they entertained the packed Verizon Center in Washington D.C., beating the host Wizards 106-89. For the second straight game Dwyane Wade put on a show during the 2nd quarter. It started with a sick drive, complete with a spin move and a shot that kissed the glass. It ended 20 points later, all of which Wade either scored or assisted on.
Wade finished the game with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, his 7th consecutive game with at least 20 points. He and his teammates helped get the game off to a good start. The Big 3 combined to score Miami's first 16 points, and for the game they scored a total of 68 points. The game was another example of the success the Heat franchise has against the Wizards. Miami has now won five straight games and 12 of the last 13 against D.C.
Playing in his first game since being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team, Chris Bosh had has best game in weeks. He cracked the 20 points plateau for the first time in 7 games, finishing with 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting. He also finished with double figure rebounds for the first time in 7 games. Bosh collected his 6th double double of the year, grabbing 11 rebounds against the Wizards.
GAME NOTES
- Miami has won 7 consecutive games in Washington.
- Dwyane Wade has scored at least 20 points in 8 of his 9 games played since returning from injury.
- LeBron James scored ‘just' 18 points to go along with 9 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
- Breakout game for Shane Battier, who gradually looks better and better. He finished with a season-high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He hit 3-of-6 from downtown and grabbed 5 rebounds as well.
- Battier once again led the Heat in plus/minus with a +23. Next closest player was +14 (LeBron and Norris Cole).
- Cole showed some aggressive flashes but still gets a little too fast for his own good. He scored 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting.
- JaVale McGee was impressive, finishing with a season-high 24 points and adding 13 rebounds.
- Udonis Haslem grabbed 12 rebounds off the Heat bench.
- Speaking of the Heat bench, they outscored the Wizards bench 36-15.
Miami better get as much rest as possible in the next couple days, because starting Sunday night in Atlanta the Heat will play three games in three nights.