Heat Bounce Back- Defeat 76ers 99-93

Forced to play without Dwyane Wade (out with a sore left knee) and after suffering their worst loss of the season, the Miami Heat looked to pick things up against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Erik Spoelstra decided to shake things for the Heat, starting Ronny Turiaf at center instead of Joel Anthony. The Heat trailed early, despite 50% shooting and 18 first half points from LeBron James.

Evan Turner took over early, scoring the 76ers first 9 points in the 2nd quarter and tallying 15 of his 26 points in the first half.

Andre Iguodala gave the 76ers a 48-43 lead, their largest of the game, after a series of back to back one hand dunks midway through the 2nd quarter. Iguodala would finish with 11 points but left the game in the 3rd after getting poked in the eye by Mario Chalmers.

The Miami Heat seized control of the game in the 3rd quarter as they outscored the 76ers 25-16 and went into the 4th with a 6 point lead.

The 76ers would rally back, holding the Heat scoreless during a 4 minute stretch in the 4th and trailed 85-81, after a turn around jumper from Spencer Hawes.

Lebron James would score 14 straight points late and close the door on the 76ers with an alley-oop dunk from Mario Chalmers. James finished with a season high 41 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, on an efficient 15-25 shooting.

Chalmers also stepped up offensively in Wade's absence, finishing with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

On a night where he passed Alonzo Mourning, Udonis Haslem was all over the glass tonight, finsihing with 6 points and 11 rebounds.

Chris Bosh was relatively quite, finishing with 17 points and 5 rebounds.

The Miami Heat are now 9-1 without Dwyane Wade this season but will desperately need him for tomorrow night's epic rematch against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Game Notes

• The Heat won their 16th straight game at home
• Chris Bosh has not had a double digit rebounding game since before the all star break
• Ronny Turiaf got his 94th career NBA start
• Udonis Haslem passed Alonzo Mourning as the all time Miami Heat leader in defensive rebounds
• Ronny Turiaf got his 500th career blocked shot
• Joel Anthony played a season low 6 minutes
• The Miami Heat are 9-1 without Dwyane Wade this season