There was some worry that the Miami Heat would flop in their big game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, thanks to previous performances against elite teams like the Boston Celtics that were less inspired and coherent. Today, though, the Heat look like the dream team that danced in fans’ heads this summer when LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to join Dwyane Wade in Miami.
Heat Vs. Lakers, NBA Christmas Day: Miami’s Big Three Dominating, Led By LeBron James
The three All-Stars have combined for 59 of the Heat’s 75 points, and keyed Miami to a 75-64 lead at the end of the third quarter at the Staples Center. None of the three players has fewer than 18 points, which is more than any Lakers player has, but it is James that is playing especially well: he’s made seven of 12 shots, nailed five three-pointers, leads all scorers with 21 points, and is very close to a triple-double thanks to his nine rebounds and eight assists.
The Heat actually didn’t pad their lead all that much in a very good third quarter — Miami outscored Los Angeles 28-26 in the period — but they look to be in great shape to score a big win over the defending NBA champions. Then again, Kobe Bryant’s been quiet so far, struggling from the field and scoring just 13 points. That might not last.
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