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Celtics advance to East semifinals, beating short-handed Heat 118-84 in Game 5
Read full article: Celtics advance to East semifinals, beating short-handed Heat 118-84 in Game 5Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 25 points and the Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, beating the short-handed Miami Heat 118-84 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Derrick White scores 38, Celtics top Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 East playoff series lead
Read full article: Derrick White scores 38, Celtics top Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 East playoff series leadDerrick White scored a career-high 38 points, Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Celtics lead wire-to-wire in Miami, roll past Heat 104-84 for 2-1 lead in East series
Read full article: Celtics lead wire-to-wire in Miami, roll past Heat 104-84 for 2-1 lead in East seriesJayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 22 points, and the Boston Celtics soundly beat the Miami Heat 104-84 to a take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday night.
Herro scores 24, Heat hit franchise playoff-record 23 3s to beat Boston and even series 1-1
Read full article: Herro scores 24, Heat hit franchise playoff-record 23 3s to beat Boston and even series 1-1Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.
Jayson Tatum triple-double, 3s lead Celtics past Butler-less Heat 114-94 in playoff opener
Read full article: Jayson Tatum triple-double, 3s lead Celtics past Butler-less Heat 114-94 in playoff openerJayson Tatum notched his first career playoff triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Boston Celtics past the Miami Heat 114-94 to open their first-round playoff series.
The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finale
Read full article: The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finaleTyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game.
Thompson scores 28, Golden State runs away in 2nd half to top Miami 113-92
Read full article: Thompson scores 28, Golden State runs away in 2nd half to top Miami 113-92Klay Thompson scored 28 points, Jonathan Kuminga added 18 and the Golden State Warriors pulled away in the second half to beat the still-shorthanded Miami Heat 113-92.
Miami's Bam Adebayo will start All-Star Game, replacing injured Philadelphia center Joel Embiid
Read full article: Miami's Bam Adebayo will start All-Star Game, replacing injured Philadelphia center Joel EmbiidA new honor is awaiting Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat: He’ll be an All-Star starter for the first time.
USA Basketball picks 41 NBA players as candidates for the Paris Olympics roster
Read full article: USA Basketball picks 41 NBA players as candidates for the Paris Olympics rosterThere are few surprises in USA Basketball’s men’s player pool for the Paris Olympics that was announced Tuesday, with most of the big names like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant on the list.
Antetokounmpo, Lillard combine for 65, and Bucks earn quarterfinal berth by topping Heat 131-124
Read full article: Antetokounmpo, Lillard combine for 65, and Bucks earn quarterfinal berth by topping Heat 131-124Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points, Damian Lillard added 32 and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Miami Heat 131-124 on Tuesday night and clinch a home quarterfinal game in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Several surprises play their way into early season MVP discussion with the usual suspects
Read full article: Several surprises play their way into early season MVP discussion with the usual suspectsThere are a few surprises who have played their way into the early season MVP conversations, joining the list usual list of NBA stars that includes Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Antetokounmpo praises Lillard acquisition and says he wants to be a Buck 'as long as we're winning'
Read full article: Antetokounmpo praises Lillard acquisition and says he wants to be a Buck 'as long as we're winning'Giannis Antetokounmpo praised the Milwaukee Bucks for showing a commitment to winning another championship by acquiring Damian Lillard but added that it still doesn’t make financial sense for him to sign a contract extension right now.
Miami Heat fans stay hopeful despite Nuggets command of NBA Finals
Read full article: Miami Heat fans stay hopeful despite Nuggets command of NBA FinalsAaron Gordon scored 27 points, Nikola Jokic added 23 and the Denver Nuggets moved one win away from their first NBA championship by beating the Miami Heat 108-95 on Friday night to take a 3-1 lead in the title series.
Jokic and Murray both have triple-doubles, Nuggets beat Heat 109-94 for 2-1 lead
Read full article: Jokic and Murray both have triple-doubles, Nuggets beat Heat 109-94 for 2-1 leadNikola Jokic and Jamal Murray became the first teammates in NBA Finals history to both record triple-doubles, and Denver’s two stars made sure the Nuggets reclaimed the lead in the series by beating the Miami Heat 109-94 in Game 3 on Wednesday night.
Miami Heat are on a comeback run like few others in this year’s NBA playoffs
Read full article: Miami Heat are on a comeback run like few others in this year’s NBA playoffsThe easiest way to explain what the Miami Heat are doing in the comeback department during these playoffs is simply to put up their numbers against the rest of the league.
The Miami Heat roar back in Game 2 to tie the Denver Nuggets in NBA Finals
Read full article: The Miami Heat roar back in Game 2 to tie the Denver Nuggets in NBA FinalsGabe Vincent scored 23 points, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo each scored 21 and the Miami Heat evened up the NBA Finals by overcoming a monster effort from Nikola Jokic to beat the Denver Nuggets 111-108 in Game 2 on Sunday night.
Jokic gets triple-double, Nuggets roll past Heat 104-93 in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Read full article: Jokic gets triple-double, Nuggets roll past Heat 104-93 in Game 1 of NBA FinalsNikola Jokic got a triple-double in his NBA Finals debut, Jamal Murray scored 26 points and the Denver Nuggets had little trouble with the cold-shooting Miami Heat on the way to a 104-93 win in Game 1 of the title series on Thursday night.
Celtics thrive on 3s, beat Heat 110-97 in Game 5 to extend East finals
Read full article: Celtics thrive on 3s, beat Heat 110-97 in Game 5 to extend East finalsDerrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, helping lead the charge as the Boston Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 in Game 5 on to extend the Eastern Conference finals.
Heat roll past Celtics 128-102, take 3-0 lead in Eastern Conference finals
Read full article: Heat roll past Celtics 128-102, take 3-0 lead in Eastern Conference finalsGabe Vincent scored a career-high 29 points, Duncan Robinson added 22 and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat are now just one win from the NBA Finals after rolling past the Boston Celtics 128-102 on Sunday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference title series.
Jimmy Butler scores 27, Miami beats Boston 111-105 to take 2-0 lead in East finals
Read full article: Jimmy Butler scores 27, Miami beats Boston 111-105 to take 2-0 lead in East finalsJimmy Butler scored 27 points, hitting a pair of buckets to give the Heat the lead after they erased a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit and Miami beat Boston 111-105 to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
Butler scores 35, Heat rally to beat Celtics 123-116 in East finals opener
Read full article: Butler scores 35, Heat rally to beat Celtics 123-116 in East finals openerJimmy Butler scored 35 points, including 20 after halftime, and the Miami Heat rallied in the second half to beat the Boston Celtics 123-116 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Heat embracing challenge, find way to return to the Eastern Conference finals
Read full article: Heat embracing challenge, find way to return to the Eastern Conference finalsInside the Miami Heat locker room Erik Spoelstra stepped onto the NBA championship logo on the center of the floor and gathered his team around him.
Heat back to the NBA's final four, top Knicks 96-92 for 4-2 series win
Read full article: Heat back to the NBA's final four, top Knicks 96-92 for 4-2 series winJimmy Butler scored 24 points, Bam Adebayo added 23 and the Miami Heat are headed back to the Eastern Conference finals after topping the New York Knicks 96-92.
Heat take 3-1 lead, hold off Knicks 109-101 for Game 4 win
Read full article: Heat take 3-1 lead, hold off Knicks 109-101 for Game 4 winJimmy Butler scored 27 points and added 10 assists, Bam Adebayo finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Miami Heat moved a win away from their third trip to the Eastern Conference finals in the last four years by topping the New York Knicks 109-101.
Butler scores 28, Heat top Knicks 105-86 for 2-1 series lead
Read full article: Butler scores 28, Heat top Knicks 105-86 for 2-1 series leadJimmy Butler returned from his sprained ankle to score 28 points, Max Strus added 19 and the Miami Heat topped the New York Knicks 105-86 to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Heat rally again to win in OT, eliminate top-seeded Bucks
Read full article: Heat rally again to win in OT, eliminate top-seeded BucksJimmy Butler scored 42 points and the Miami Heat staged a second straight stunning fourth-quarter rally before winning 128-126 in overtime at Milwaukee in Game 5 to cap an upset of the top-seeded Bucks in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
Butler scores 56, Heat stun Bucks 119-114 for 3-1 lead
Read full article: Butler scores 56, Heat stun Bucks 119-114 for 3-1 leadJimmy Butler scored a Miami playoff record 56 points, and the Heat roared back from 14 points down in the final quarter to stun the Milwaukee Bucks 119-114 on Monday night to put the NBA’s top overall seed on the brink of early elimination.
Heat eliminate Bulls 102-91, will face Bucks in Round 1
Read full article: Heat eliminate Bulls 102-91, will face Bucks in Round 1Max Strus and Jimmy Butler scored 31 points apiece, and the Miami Heat got into the playoffs by rallying in the final minutes to beat the Chicago Bulls 102-91 in an Eastern Conference play-in game Friday night.
Adebayo scores 30, Heat storm back to stun Suns 113-112
Read full article: Adebayo scores 30, Heat storm back to stun Suns 113-112Bam Adebayo scored 30 points, including a pair of free throws to put Miami up for good with 35 seconds left, and the Heat rallied from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 113-112.
Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104
Read full article: Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown added 28 and the Boston Celtics topped the Miami Heat 111-104 on Friday night in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals.
AP source: Mavericks acquire Christian Wood for 4 players
Read full article: AP source: Mavericks acquire Christian Wood for 4 playersA source with direct knowledge of the agreement said the Houston Rockets are trading center Christian Wood, their leading scorer and rebounder this season, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for four players and a draft pick.
Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges top NBA All-Defensive first team
Read full article: Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges top NBA All-Defensive first teamDefensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics was the leading vote-getter for the All-Defensive first team, with Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns joining him as the other guard.
Spoelstra, Udoka have Heat and Celtics ready for East finals
Read full article: Spoelstra, Udoka have Heat and Celtics ready for East finalsBoston Celtics coach Ime Udoka and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra have enormous respect for each other and a bond that stems from their shared history in the sport.
Embiid returns from injury, 76ers beat Heat 99-79 in Game 3
Read full article: Embiid returns from injury, 76ers beat Heat 99-79 in Game 3Joel Embiid inspired the Philadelphia 76ers with his return from a facial injury, Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each scored 21 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Miami Heat 99-79 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Young hits floater with 4.4 left, Hawks beat Heat 111-110
Read full article: Young hits floater with 4.4 left, Hawks beat Heat 111-110Trae Young hit a floater in the lane with 4.4 seconds left and the Atlanta Hawks overcame a 16-point deficit in the second half to beat top-seeded Miami 111-110 on Friday night, cutting the Heat’s series lead to 2-1.
Maxey scores 28 as 76ers, without Harden, Embiid, beat Heat
Read full article: Maxey scores 28 as 76ers, without Harden, Embiid, beat HeatTyrese Maxey scored 13 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, including nine in a row during a crucial stretch, to lead the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers to a 113-106 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat.
Booker has 23 points in return, Suns roll past Heat 111-90
Read full article: Booker has 23 points in return, Suns roll past Heat 111-90Devin Booker scored 23 points, Mikal Bridges added 21 and the Phoenix Suns shook off a slow start to beat the Miami Heat 111-90 on Wednesday night in a matchup of the NBA’s conference leaders.
Durant has 31 points in return, but Heat rally to beat Nets
Read full article: Durant has 31 points in return, but Heat rally to beat NetsKevin Durant’s return couldn’t stop the Brooklyn Nets’ slide, as Bam Adebayo had 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lead the Miami Heat to a 113-107 victory.
Robinson scores 25 to lead Heat to 110-96 win over Knicks
Read full article: Robinson scores 25 to lead Heat to 110-96 win over KnicksDuncan Robinson scored 25 points while shooting 7 of 11 from 3-point range to lead four Miami players with 20 or more points in the Heat’s 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks.
Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul move quickly in NBA free agency
Read full article: Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul move quickly in NBA free agencyPoint guards were the immediate focus when the NBA’s free agency window opened Monday night, with Kyle Lowry headed to the Miami Heat, Lonzo Ball on his way to the Chicago Bulls while Chris Paul and Mike Conley landed lucrative deals to remain with their current teams.
AP source: Harden commits to US Olympic men's team for Tokyo
Read full article: AP source: Harden commits to US Olympic men's team for TokyoBrooklyn's James Harden has committed to playing for U.S. men's national basketball team that will play in the Olympics that begin next month, says a person familiar with the situation.
Bucks capitalize on hot start to roll past Heat 132-98
Read full article: Bucks capitalize on hot start to roll past Heat 132-98Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points and Bryn Forbes led Milwaukee’s scorching start from 3-point range as the Bucks trounced the Miami Heat 132-98 to extend their lead in this first-round playoff series.
Butler strong down stretch, Heat hold off Celtics 130-124
Read full article: Butler strong down stretch, Heat hold off Celtics 130-124Jimmy Butler had 26 points and 11 assists to help the Miami Heat hold off the Boston Celtics 130-124 as they fight for position in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games pool
Read full article: USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games poolUSA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summer’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. It’s also already drawing major interest from some NBA stars who have yet to taste Olympic gold. USA Basketball will pare the list to a 12-person Olympic team by early summer. Jordan, who now plays for Brooklyn, is also a newcomer to the pool even though he was on the 2016 Olympic team. “But for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.”
Curry sinks final shot, tops Conley for second 3-point title
Read full article: Curry sinks final shot, tops Conley for second 3-point title(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA – Stephen Curry shot his way to another 3-point title and Domantas Sabonis made sure the Skills Challenge still belongs to the bigs. Conley had the lead with 27 points before Curry was the final shooter of the contest. Curry had 26 points before sinking his final shot from the corner for 28 points and the win. Tatum led off the final round with 17 points while making only one shot from the “money ball” rack. In the final, Toppin took off from near the free-throw line, inspiring comparisons to Wilkins' winning form while with the Atlanta Hawks.
NBA reveals All-Star skills, 3-point, dunk participants
Read full article: NBA reveals All-Star skills, 3-point, dunk participants(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Phoenix’s Devin Booker have been 3-point champions at All-Star weekend before, and they’ll try to win that trophy again Sunday. The NBA revealed the 15 players Tuesday who will be taking part in the other on-court events besides the All-Star Game in Atlanta, with the overwhelming majority of them pulling double-duty between those competitions and the game itself. They’ll be joined by Portland’s Robert Covington, the only current NBA player who is a graduate of a historically Black college and university. It will be held at halftime of the All-Star Game, while the skills competition and 3-point contest will occur pregame. Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, San Antonio and Toronto have no one participating in All-Star night events.
Butler, Dragic carry Heat past NBA-best Jazz, 124-116
Read full article: Butler, Dragic carry Heat past NBA-best Jazz, 124-116Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) goes to the basket as Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – The Miami Heat don't believe in statement wins. “A high-level game," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “and we had some big plays down the stretch." Duncan Robinson scored 15 and Kendrick Nunn added 12 for the Heat, who held Utah to 29% shooting in the fourth quarter. It was the sixth game in Heat history in which both teams had at least 94 points through three quarters.
NBA chooses All-Star reserves, with Zion among first-timers
Read full article: NBA chooses All-Star reserves, with Zion among first-timersNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)New Orleans forward Zion Williamson now can be called an NBA All-Star, and only three others in the game’s 70-year history have gotten there at a younger age. Phoenix’s Chris Paul is an All-Star for the 11th time, and Brooklyn’s James Harden is one for the ninth consecutive year. The rest of the reserves include Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic from the Eastern Conference, along with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George, Utah teammates Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and Portland’s Damian Lillard from the Western Conference. But this will be his first time in the All-Star Game itself.
Heat hold off depleted Lakers 96-94 in NBA Finals rematch
Read full article: Heat hold off depleted Lakers 96-94 in NBA Finals rematchLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, tries to pass as Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Heat even kept it together to pull out a win over the defending NBA champions despite a fourth quarter that nearly went wrong. Nunn scored 27 points, Jimmy Butler had 24 points and eight rebounds, and Miami held off the Los Angeles Lakers 96-94 Saturday night in an NBA Finals rematch. Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points while hitting four 3-pointers, and Montrezl Harrell had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. ... Goran Dragić missed his eighth straight game with a sprained left ankle.
Heat say Herro may miss time for virus-related issue
Read full article: Heat say Herro may miss time for virus-related issue(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)MIAMI – The Miami Heat may have another player missing games for virus-related reasons, after second-year guard Tyler Herro revealed that someone who lives with him tested positive for COVID-19. The reason the Heat cited for having Herro on the report is the NBA’s health and safety protocols, which only means it is a virus-related reason and does not suggest that he tested positive. If Herro cannot play Monday, he’d become the ninth Heat player on that list. Herro is tested daily and obviously had not tested positive Saturday, since the NBA and Heat permitted him to be on the floor; he played a team-high 40 minutes and scored 15 points. “Someone who lives with me tested positive before the game and I found out at halftime.
‘We have to figure this out’: Heat say turnaround will come
Read full article: ‘We have to figure this out’: Heat say turnaround will comeMiami Heat players Udonis Haslem, left, talks to Jimmy Butler during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Miami. The Miami Heat aren’t believing that quite yet — even after a disastrous start to the 2020-21 campaign. “Heat Nation, we are going to figure this out,” All-Star center Bam Adebayo said. AdThe year after losing the finals has not been kind to the most recent teams who have dropped the title series. Tyler Herro missed seven games with neck spasms.
Harden, Durant help Nets break away late, beat Heat 98-85
Read full article: Harden, Durant help Nets break away late, beat Heat 98-85(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)NEW YORK – James Harden and Kevin Durant each scored 20 points despite three relatively quiet quarters, and the Brooklyn Nets broke away with a big run in the fourth to beat the Miami Heat 98-85 on Monday night. Kyrie Irving added 16 points for the Nets, who completed a sweep of the Heat in two games that couldn't have been more different. Bam Adebayo had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a strong follow-up to his career-high 41 points Saturday. Miami took a 45-41 edge into halftime, going just 4 for 19 on 3s but doubling the Nets' makes after they went 2 for 17. Nets: Durant missed his first six 3-point attempts before sinking one in the third quarter.
Durant, Irving help Nets hold off Adebayo, Heat 128-124
Read full article: Durant, Irving help Nets hold off Adebayo, Heat 128-124Miami Heat's Gabe Vincent (2) defends against Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, in New York. Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Kyrie Irving took over late and had 28 and the Nets overcame Adebayo's career-high 41 points to beat the Miami Heat 128-124 on Saturday night. Irving helped pull the Nets through with 12 points in the final 5:48 after the Heat had erased nearly all of an 18-point deficit. Adebayo beat the buzzer with a jumper, than Miami opened the fourth with a 13-0 run to get within 96-95. Irving, Harden and Durant quickly combined for eight straight points but Adebayo kept coming, and the Nets needed a couple of clutch baskets from Irving and late free throws to pull it out.
Pritchard’s putback pushes Celtics past Heat, 107-105
Read full article: Pritchard’s putback pushes Celtics past Heat, 107-105Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)MIAMI – Rookie guard Payton Pritchard wasn't there last season when the Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. Jimmy Butler had 26 points for Miami, which got 16 points from Duncan Robinson, 15 points from Bam Adebayo and 14 from Goran Dragic. TIP-INSCeltics: Stevens called Spoelstra before the game to alert him of the Celtics' meeting and consideration of not playing. Heat: Miami’s streak of a different starting five in every game this season ended; the Heat used the same opening lineup as they did Monday against Oklahoma City.
Heat avenge embarrassment, rally to top Bucks 119-108
Read full article: Heat avenge embarrassment, rally to top Bucks 119-108Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, bottom, and Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa go for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – The Miami Heat engineered a 58-point turnaround against the Milwaukee Bucks in 24 hours. “Started to feel like Miami Heat basketball again,” Herro said. Milwaukee is 2-3 this season; the Bucks started 24-3 last season. “You want to constantly develop some grit and some toughness during the course of a long season," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98
Read full article: Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) dribbles against Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Joel Auerbach)MIAMI – Erik Spoelstra remained perfect on Christmas, and a record-tying show from Duncan Robinson helped him stay that way. Robinson made seven 3-pointers — tying the Christmas single-game mark — and scored 23 points, helping the Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-98 to start the NBA’s holiday quintupleheader Friday. Goran Dragic scored 18 points, Bam Adebayo had 17 and Avery Bradley finished with 12 for Miami, and Spoelstra improved his Christmas record as Heat coach to 8-0. COMING HOMEVeteran ref John Goble was crew chief and got to be home for Christmas; he’s a Miami native.
Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston Garden
Read full article: Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston GardenBrooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. Irving scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals helping the Nets rout the Celtics 113-89 Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. There were no fans in the new Boston Garden on Friday night, and his introduction was greeted with a faint, fake cheer. Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Heat, while Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and Tyler Herro scored 10. McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting and Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points in the loss.
Jimmy Butler’s memorable bubble run ends, closing coffee shop
Read full article: Jimmy Butler’s memorable bubble run ends, closing coffee shopThere will be no more coffee customers with the bubble closing down, though he kept it open far longer than expected with some of the most inspired NBA Finals play seen in years. “I wish I could’ve done it for the city, I wish I could’ve done it for my teammates,” Butler said. “I didn’t win so none of the stats matter,” Butler said. But Butler made no excuses, not only saying the Heat could win, but that they should win. “I didn’t do my job so moving forward I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain,” Butler said.
Bubble Kings: Lakers run past Heat for 17th NBA championship
Read full article: Bubble Kings: Lakers run past Heat for 17th NBA championshipFor the first time since Kobe Bryant's fifth and final title a decade ago, the Lakers are NBA champions. James had 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Lakers beat the Miami Heat 106-93 on Sunday night to win the NBA Finals in six games. Rajon Rondo scored 19 points for the Lakers, who put together the elite talents of James and Davis with this moment in mind. James (Miami, Cleveland) and Danny Green (San Antonio, Toronto) added their names to that list with this title. HEAT SEASONMiami led the NBA with 94 games played this season — 30 more than Minnesota, which played the fewest in the NBA.
Heat force Game 6, top Lakers to stave off elimination
Read full article: Heat force Game 6, top Lakers to stave off elimination“That’s Jimmy Butler," Heat center Bam Adebayo said. Butler got fouled with 46.7 seconds left, then slumped over the baseline video boards, clearly exhausted. He made both foul shots for a one-point lead; Davis’ putback with 21.8 seconds left got the Lakers back on top. Butler drove the lane, drew contact and made both with 16.8 seconds left for a 109-108 lead. Lakers: James and Davis were a combined 24 for 36.
Lakers will look to close Heat out in Game 5 of NBA Finals
Read full article: Lakers will look to close Heat out in Game 5 of NBA FinalsBoxes are being shipped out of the NBA bubble in advance of the looming shutdown. The NBA Finals — and the longest season in league history, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and 4-1/2 month shutdown that followed — could end on Friday night, with James and the Lakers going into Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat. “I think we all know that tomorrow night is also a must-win for us, just as much as it is a must-win for the Heat,” Lakers forward Anthony Davis said. The Lakers will aim to head into Friday night with the same desperation that Miami will have while facing elimination. Jimmy Butler, Miami’s leading scorer and best player by far in the series, said he’ll set the Heat example for Game 5 by demanding more of everything from himself.
A moment of rest finally arrives at the NBA Finals
Read full article: A moment of rest finally arrives at the NBA FinalsLike it or not, the NBA Finals are on hiatus until Friday — the first two-day break in this series between the Lakers and Miami Heat. When Game 5 happens, the Lakers will enter with a 3-1 series lead and on the brink of their 17th NBA championship. “For me, I mean, at this point in the season, I don’t care about rest,” James said. James’ teams — two in Miami, one in Cleveland — are 3-0 in finals games when they stand a win away from a championship. “I know Spo going into Game 5,” James said.