Heat erase 27 point deficit in 2nd half, stun Cavs 98-95 to save streak

If Miami was to extend its winning steak to a 24th consecutive win, they would have to overcome some obstacles. One of the obstacles was an unexpected 45 minute delay to the game due to a leak in the scoreboard at Quicken Loans Arena. They lowered the scoreboard, fixed the problem and the game got underway later than expected.

The other obstacle was less expected, and that was the injury depleted Cleveland Cavaliers. Without Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varajeo, and Dio Waiters, the Cavs didn't have much hope for this game, or so we thought. But Cleveland would not go silently into the loss column.

The first half was a huge struggle for the Heat. After squaring off midway through the first, Cleveland took a sizable lead. Miami cut it to one in the second, but then the Cavs went on a 19-0 run and led by 21 points at halftime as the Heat only managed 34 points in the first half. They lacked energy and consistency.

The second half didn't start off to well either. Cleveland pushed their lead to 27 points, up 67-40 They were hitting shots, out rebounding the Heat and ready to teach LeBron a lesson. Then, it happened.

You know, the switch was flipped...again.

Miami went on 37-10 run, started by 3 Shane Battier three-pointers. And before you knew it, the game was tied at 77. LeBron chipped in with three consecutive three-pointers as well. Ray Allen got in on the mix and hit a couple and Miami found itself with a lead. Meanwhile, a crazed fan stormed onto the court wearing a homemade t-shirt that said, "2014 WE MISS YOU COME BACK." LeBron shook his hand as he was escorted off the court.

Dwyane Wade got it flowing with a few jumpers and it seemed that Miami was going to cruise to a win, but the Cavs didn't go away, they cut the lead to 96-95 and had a chance to take the lead with under 10 seconds to go, but Wayne Ellington, who had hit a few shots, missed his jumper and Miami got the ball back.

LeBron went to the line, a drained two clutch free throws. Cj Miles missed the game tying three-pointer as time expired. The Heat won the game 98-95 and improved to 53-14. Their win streak improved to 24 games and concluded their five game road trip. It was the Heat's largest comeback of the season, beating the 17 point deficit they beat in Boston on Monday.

James finished the game with a triple double. He racked up 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Wade, Chris Bosh, and Shane Battier all had 11 points each, while Mario Chalmers contributed 17 points, and Allen had 10.

Miami has Thursday off and then play at home against Detroit on Friday night.

Thoughts
It was such a thriller to watch the Heat comeback, what was your favorite part?