After trailing by as many as 18 points, the Miami Heat stormed back in the second half but came up short, losing 99-98 to the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Miami looked worn out in the first half but LeBron James led the comeback in Salt Lake City.
Down two with 14 seconds remaining, Devin Harris took a pass out from Al Jefferson in the post and drove the middle of the lane to hit runner and drew a foul to give the Jazz the 99-98. On the Heat's final possession, LeBron drew a double team and hit Udonis Haslem on the pop for a jumper from the right elbow. Haslem's shot went off the side of the rim, ending Miami's winning streak. In the fallout of the All-Star game, there will certainly be much debate about LeBron's willingness to take the final shot.
Regardless of the last play, James was brilliant in the fourth quarter bringing Miami back and giving the Heat the lead. He had 17 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and was incredible. He added ten rebounds and six assists. Dwyane Wade added 31 points, hitting 10 of 11 at the free-throw line. His only miss came on Miami's second to last possession, given the Jazz the opportunity to take the lead with a three-point play. And Devin Harris was there to capitalize.
Looking to start a new winning streak, Miami now heads to Los Angeles for a Sunday showdown with the Lakers.
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