Slam Dunk Central

The Miami Heat had the golden opportunity to slip away from Oracle Arena with a sorely needed win. But there was a slight problem - they played Golden State’s type of game, which is frenetic and breakneck in nature. As a result, the Heat got tired rather quickly and the Warriors took advantage, especially in the late third quarter as they rallied from 15 down to beat the Heat 120-113 at Oakland.Miami would start out hot, making their first six shots and scored the first 10 points of the game. Miami shot 67% as they took a 39-30 lead going into the second quarter. Their lead expanded to 57-39 when Heat guard Ricky Davis hit a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter; but the Warriors would cut Miami’s lead to 66-56 after guard Monta Ellis hit a jumper just before the buzzer. Golden State would trail by 15 late in the 3rd quarter before slicing into the Miami lead. Warriors F Al Harrington scored 8 points in a row which would reduce the Heat’s lead to 7. But a jumper by Miami’s Dwyane Wade gave the Heat a 91-82 lead after 3.

The fourth quarter would see the Warriors transform into the fast-break team they have been for most of this season. Miami, who had led by as many as 18 in the game, would be outscored by Golden State 21-4 during a 4-minute stretch late in the 4th quarter which allowed the Warriors to take their first lead of the game 108-107 with 3:16 left. After the Heat’s Wade made one of 2 free throws to knot it up, the Warriors’ Ellis made 2 free throws then made a 3-point play, giving Golden State an insurmountable 113-108 lead.

Stephen Jackson led all Warriors scorers with 28 points, including 4 3-pointers; Baron Davis added 25 with 7 assists and four 3-pointers of his own, while Ellis had a solid effort, chipping in with 21. Miami was led by Wade with 33 with 10 assists, while Davis added 20 with 10 rebounds. Dorell Wright had a strong game of his own, pouring in 19 and grabbing 17 boards. Golden State (11-8), winners of 11 of their past 13 games, travel south to take on the Los Angeles LakersSunday night; Miami (4-15), losers of 5 straight, continue to Los Angeles as well to take on the Clippers Sunday afternoon.