In perhaps the most resounding victory in this shortened NBA season, the Miami Heat finished their back-to-back-to-back road game swing with a perfect 3-0 record, becoming the first NBA team this season to accomplish the feat. The Heat trounced on the Indiana Pacers 105-90 in Tuesday night's contest. The Heat trailed for the first 50 seconds of the game and while it would be fitting to say that they never looked back, realistically the Heat dominated the game so thoroughly that they were afforded to look back as they lapped the Pacers over and over again.
LeBron James led the Heat with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Heat pulled away from the Pacers in a game that was not as close as the score indicates if you can believe that. The Heat led 90-58 after the third quarter and consequently pulled the majority of their starters for the rest of the game.
Norris Cole tied his career-high with 20 points, while Dwyane Wade had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Chris Bosh continued his porous offensive production (although that would be nitpicking after such a victory) but he finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds.
The Pacers, enjoying a surprisingly successful season, lost top player Danny Granger late in the first quarter with a sprained left ankle and did not return to the contest. While Indiana had six players who scored in double figures, they offered little resistance to the Heat's onslaught. David West had 14 and failed to record a rebound for the entire first half and finished with only 2 for the contest. Paul George and A.J. Price each had 12 points and Tyler Hansbrough finished with 11.
All-star big man Roy Hibbert had 10 points on 5 of 12 shooting but he failed to corral the Heat's explosive driving game.
Impressed By: LeBron James. LeBron pundits claimed that he would never develop a consistent post-game, a reliable jump shot, or provide the physical rebounding the Heat needed. I think it's safe to say that they were wrong. Over the last three games, LeBron has proved capable of scoring at ease in the post and simultaneously provide the Heat's point guard help and strength on the block. Kobe or LeBron? Pfttt.
Depressed By: Absolutely nothing!
Next up: The Heat take a two day break and continue their road trip as LeBron visits hell Cleveland for the first time this season on Friday (7:30 PM tip off).