For the first time this season, the Heat have a winning record (7-6). The Miami team crushed the Pistons 137-117 at home for its fourth straight win, showing that it is slowly finding its footing, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way.
The Greek Freak came close to a triple-double with 34 points (7-for-9 from the free-throw line, 12-for-15 from the field, 1-for-2 from three-point range), 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers in 31 minutes.
Worthy teammates by his side were Klay Thompson with 26 points (6-for-11 from three-point range), Bam Adebayo with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Devion Mitchell with 15 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds.
For Detroit, which fell to 8-4, Cade Cunningham put up a fight with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists; however, after the first quarter, Erik Spoelstra’s team dominated the court.
Miami’s next game is against the Rockets early Tuesday morning.
Quarter scores: 37-39, 68-60, 103-86, 137-117
View the stats here
In other results, the Nuggets defeated New Orleans 116-108, led by Nikola Jokić’s 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. The depleted Cavaliers (without Mitchell, Harden, Mobley, Allen, and Watson) defeated the Mavericks 127–117, thanks to a triple-double by Australian Tyrese Proctor, who had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Mario Hezonja also played very well, scoring 22 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in 34 minutes. The Bulls, led by Norman Powell’s 24 points, defeated the Timberwolves in Minnesota 117–106.
Here are the detailed results:
New Orleans Pelicans – Denver Nuggets: 108 – 116
Cleveland Cavaliers – Dallas Mavericks: 127 – 117
Memphis Grizzlies – Brooklyn Nets: 129 – 110
Miami Heat – Detroit Pistons: 137 – 117
Minnesota Timberwolves – Chicago Bulls: 106 – 117
See the standings
*photo source: AP