Miami Heat is the leader of the East tied with Brooklyn Nets (11-5) after adding their fourth consecutive victory last night by beating Washington Wizards 97-112.
Jimmy Butler led the pack with 32 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, including a magnificent 11 of 19 on field goals and a perfect 10 of 10 on free throws. It is his second game in a row with at least thirty goals to his credit.
Bam Adebayo returned to the courts after missing the last two games with 20 points and 9 rebounds; reserve Gabe Vincent contributed 18; and defender PJ Tucker finished with 15 points.
“I feel great to be out there, I feel great to be together with my teammates and I feel great to be back in the locker room tunnels,” admitted Bam Adebayo. «My colleagues have given me a pleasant welcome. Being two games away has been good. I have rested enough, “he acknowledged.
In the capital, Bradley Beal was the most outstanding with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists; and his teammate Kyle Kuzma contributed 19 points, 13 rebounds and 7 basket passes.
“Everybody had their antennas up when we had number one. What I like most about our team is the fight. This team never gives up, “said Beal.
The Heat scored 7-of-8 on 3-pointers in the third period to take control of the game. Duncan Robinson (6 points) would give his team the greatest advantage, placing it 57-75 with 03:59 minutes remaining in the quarter.
Look, Washington has established a way of playing. They are a very good defensive team. And you have to be really unconditional in attack, you have to have things with rhythm, your space has to be correct and you have to share the ball, “explained Erik Spoelstra.
Shooter Tyler Herro was unable to play due to a contusion to his right wrist, and Spencer Dinwiddie was also unable to be present due to a medical break.
«Obviously it is the third or fourth game that escapes us this course. We did not compete during that third period, “concluded Wes Unseld Jr.
(Cover photo: Mark Brown / Getty Images)
