MIAMI- On a day where NBA games were filled with strange twists and surprises, the Miami Heat extended their winning streak to five games and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers for the second time in three days, 103-98 at American Airlines Arena.
The Heat avoided what could have been an unsightly loss against the worst team in the league. Miami successfully veered from what seemed like a the trending plot of the NBA that Sunday, where a sub .200 team ( Los Angeles Lakers) defeated the top team in the NBA ( Golden State Warriors) and the second worst Western Conference team ( Phoenix Suns) defeated another strong playoff bound team ( Memphis Grizzlies).
Miami started flat in the second half
, missing 10 consecutive shots in what turned out to be an 8-minute drought. After the Sixers took a 79-73 lead with 9:45 left in the ballgame, Miami rallied to tie the count at 87-87. The Heat then embarked on a 10-2 run to put the game away.
Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade paced Miami with 23 points a piece. Hassan Whiteside stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points ,13 boards and 7 blocks.
"Everything we go through right now is good for us as we try to put ourselves in a position for the playoffs," Wade said. "This was a different kind of situation. We were down against a team we're supposed to beat, and how are we going to find a way to win the game?"
And they did at the end.
Sixers guard Ish Smith netted 21 points and 5 assists, while veteran journeyman Carl Landry added 18 points and 7 boards , as Philly was left reeling to its 12 consecutive loss of the season.
It's kind of been the story of the year," Smith lamented after the game. We just have to close down these close games."
Miami will play at Milwaukee on March 9 and the Sixers will play at Houston on March 9 also.
Photo: Hassan Whiteside sets a bone-jarring pick for teammate Dwyane Wade in Sunday's action at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat beat the Sixers, 103-98.
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