Heat Outlast Lakers

     The Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 110-104 at American Airlines Arena on Thursday night. The Heat, who completed a four-game homestand, have topped the Lakers in 16 of their last 24 regular season meetings. They swept the season series from the Lakers for the first time since 2014-15. 

     Miami(27-25) broke out to a 32-27 lead after one quarter. Los Angeles(32-20) came back and had a 56-54 edge by halftime. The Heat regained the lead 83-80 at the end of three quarters. Miami had a 9-2 spurt late in the final quarter. 

     Jimmy Butler led Miami with 28 points and seven rebounds. Victor Oladipo pumped in 18 points while Tyler Herro added 15 points. 

     The Lakers got 28 points from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Wesley Matthews scored 14 points and  Andre Drummond had a double-double of 15 points along with 12 rebounds.