What started out as a sloppy and slow-paced game ended up as a fantastic and thrilling match that saw overtime. When it was all set and done, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to gut out a 120-117 win over the Miami Heat.
Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, who were without LeBron James once again, got key contributions from Malik Monk, Avery Bradley, and Wayne Ellington. The three veteran guards combined for 56 points, with Monk recording a season-high 27 points.
Russell Westbrook also played well, leading the Lakers to victory with some key shots down the stretch. Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists.
Also, Anthony Davis had an impact with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Heat
Missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch for Miami led to their loss. Bam Adebayo had a team-high 28 points and 10 rebounds. Adebayo also had a career-high six steals. But, his offensive fouls and missed free throws in the remaining minutes of regulation made Heat fans scratch their head.
All-Star Jimmy Butler had only seven points in 12 minutes of action. Butler had to leave the contest with an ankle injury.
Other Notes
- Malik Monk has five career games of 27+ points. Three of them have come against the Heat.
- The Heat were No. 2 in the NBA, shooting 82.6% from the free-throw line coming into this game. Wednesday night against Los Angeles, Miami shot 79.4% on 35 attempts – Miami just had all of their misses right at the end.
- Despite the win on Wednesday, the Lakers once again failed to score coming out of a timeout in the final minute of a one-possession game. The Lakers have run five such plays this season, which have resulted in four missed 3-pt FG and a turnover (3 isos, 1 on-ball screen).
What’s Next?
The Miami Heat will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night in what will be the second game of a back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.