Behind a 2nd quarter scoring outburst by Dwyane Wade, the visiting Miami Heat have taken a ten point lead in Friday night's game against the Washington Wizards, 52-42. Wade had 14 points in the period and has 18 for the half; he provided a 2nd quarter spark with a myriad of jumpers and driving layups.
Wade combined with LeBron James on two spectacular alley-oop dunks in the 2nd period; the second one, Wade lofted behind his head as he drove to the basket to a seemingly empty area before James flew into the scene with a thunderous slam. James and Chris Bosh each had 10 points in the half.
Nick Young and JaVale McGee led the Wizards with 13 points apiece. John Wall had a rough first half, ending it on 1 for 6 shooting and only 2 points; however, he does have 6 assists.
The Wizards had a first half that was emblematic of their season thus far: it was littered with many spectacularly athletic plays but often the most simplest of passes, catches, and shots couldn't be executed. On one exchange, the Wizards Trevor Booker caught a pass for an alley-oop without any defenders close to him, but he fumbled the pass and lost it out of bounds.
What to look for in the second half: The Heat are playing much more efficiently and effectively then they have in recent games. But limiting John Wall in the second half is going to be the biggest impetus going forward. Mario Chalmers, Wade, and Lebron have switched off on multiple possessions when guarding him. How their defense holds up in the 2nd half might prove pivotal to the outcome of the game.