NBA Sunday: Heat just keep on rolling, Rockets down Spurs

Heat 109, Bobcats 77

Miami actually only led by five with just under five minutes to play in the third quarter, but then a 14-3 run to close the quarter created some separation. Things quickly got ugly at the start of the fourth, allowing James to take a seat early.

• Sunday’s March Madness TV schedule

• How the NBA can compete with NCAA’s one-and-done stupidity

The game went back and forth throughout most of the first three quarters before the Rockets appeared to take control of the game late in the third and early into the fourth. Houston led by as many as eight at the beginning of the final frame, but then Parker single-handedly turned the tide before Harden’s heroics saved the day.

• Sunday’s March Madness TV schedule

While James took care of most of the scoring with Wade sidelined, Miami also got stellar contributions from the bench. Norris Cole and Ray Allen combined for 29 points and seven three-pointers, and the Heat as a team made 13 three-pointers. Chris Bosh added 15 points and six rebounds.

Kemba Walker had 20 points and Gerald Henderson had 18 for the Bobcats, but it was not nearly enough to overcome the Heat onslaught.

How many times have we seen this happen this year? And will it ever get old? The answer to the first question is I don’t know. The answer to the second question is NOPE NEVER.

• Sunday’s March Madness TV schedule

• How the NBA can compete with NCAA’s one-and-done stupidity

The Spurs have been able to beat Houston despite, like most of the league, not being able to contain Harden. Harden has only played in two of the three games, missing one due to injury, but he has averaged 31 points, four rebounds and six assists in those two games.

• Sunday’s March Madness TV schedule

Here is the full schedule for Saturday (all times ET):

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Miami Heat, 6 p.m.