Heat vs. Clippers final score: Miami holds on late in Los Angeles, 116-112

The Clippers cut a 19-point first half Heat lead to two points late in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get no closer. Miami hit free throws and big shots late to win, 116-112, in Los Angeles.

LeBron James led the way for Miami with 31 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. He spearheaded a hot shooting Heat offense by attacking in transition, throwing backdoor oops and finding open shooters all over the floor

Blake Griffin finished with 43 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. He slammed in dunks, finished acrobatic plays in traffic and knocked down jumpers. He also got a lot of help from Jamal Crawford; the herky-jerky streetball veteran posted 31 points and hit big shot after big shot down the stretch to put the Clippers in a position to win.

The Heat were unreal in the first quarter, sinking 15 of their first 18 shots. The 15th made shot came at the shot clock buzzer on a long heave from Mario Chalmers way beyond the three-point arc, giving Miami a 33-20 lead. The quarter came to a close with the Heat up 36-24. They set a franchise record with 15 assists in the first period.

The Clippers fought back, cutting the lead to 62-55 before halftime, but Miami jumped out to a 17-point lead in the second half. The Clippers eventually cut that lead to two points with a minute left before Miami sharpshooter Ray Allen drained a three-pointer from the left corner with 42 ticks left to give the Heat a 112-107 lead. Los Angeles couldn't dig its way back from there.