Heat Hold Off Lakers

     In a rematch of the 2020 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat edged the Los Angeles Lakers 96-94 at Staples Center on Saturday night. The Lakers won the NBA title in six games over the Heat last season. The Heat have defeated the Lakers in 15 of the last 23 contests during the regular season. 

     Miami(12-17) sprinted out to a 36-23 lead at the end of one quarter. They were still up 59-52 by the halftime. Los Angeles(22-9) cut more into the deficit, had a slight lead midway through the frame and trailed 81-77 after three quarters. The Heat never let go of the lead throughout the final quarter. 

     Kendrick Nunn led Miami with a game-high 27 points. Jimmy Butler had his franchise record, three-game streak of triple-doubles snapped as he had 24 points along with eight rebounds. Two Heat did put together double-doubles. Bam Adebayo chalked up 16 points and 10 rebounds while Duncan Robinson marked down 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

     LeBron James fell short of a triple-double for the Lakers with 19 points, nine assists and nine rebounds. Kyle Kuzma dropped in a team-high 23 points and Montrezl Harrell compiled a double-double of 18 points with 10 rebounds.