MIAMI -- A tale of two teams trying to to put a halt to their respective slumps
This matchup was about a test of wills, of who can push through adversity better.
Miami relied on their team defense and some clutch shooting from Ray Allen in one of his best scoring performance in a Heat uniform. He scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter completing a 113-104 escape against the Houston Rockets.
Miami made some changes in its starting lineup inserting Greg Oden in place of Shane Battier . Miami's defense was active from the get go leading to deflections and steals.
The Rockets however kept the game close with timely shots from James Harden who finished 30 pts with 3 rebounds . Houston closed the half with point guard Patrick Beverly delivering a thunderous dunk over the outstretched arms of Miami's Chris bosh and center Chris Anderson. Heat cling on to a 57-54 advantage
Miami's recent struggles in the third quarter continued as Houston Rockets took advantage and built on a 91-89 lead at the end of that quarter.
With the Rockets ahead 97-92 midway to the fourth, the Heat went on 21-7 close out and never looked back. Leading the way was the 38 y.o Allen who made sure that this game will log in the win column this time
"Tonight we came out and finished the game," Allen told reporters "as opposed to letting it slip away from us."
Dwayne Wade and Lebron Jamss added 24 pts a piece with "The King" dishing out 5 assists in the game.
In a losing effort Dwight Howard chipped in 21 pts and grabbing a game high 14 rebounds
The Heat improved to 45-19 of the season while Rockets (44-22) will remain 6 games behind the league leading San Antionio Spurs, dropped their third straight loss.
Miami will face Cleveland on Tuesday marking the 2nd time that Lebron travels to his hometown state.
Photo: Dwight Howard tries to shake off The Birdman as the Miami Heat thwarted the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
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