The Miami Heat easily dispatched the Charlotte Bobcats in a 98-85 Game 3 victory. The Heat have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round series and will have an opportunity to complete the sweep Monday in Charlotte.
Heat vs. Bobcats results; NBA playoffs 2014: Miami dominates Charlotte in 98-85 victory
The Heat are closing in on a sweep in Charlotte.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Bobcats started their first home playoff game since 2010 strong and ended the first quarter leading 27-23. Al Jefferson scored 15 points in the first quarter, shooting seven-of-nine from the field and dominating the Heat around the rim. It was a strong showing from one of the NBA's most versatile post players, but it was short-lived.
Miami quickly turned the game around in the second quarter, outscoring Charlotte 35-19. The Heat led by as many as 26 points, continuing to steamroll the Bobcats through the second half. LeBron James scored 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including this breakaway dunk that may or may not have featured James glaring at Michael Jordan on the sideline as he jammed it down:
Jefferson finished the night with 20 points despite his hot start, making only one more field goal through the remaining 36 minutes. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist struggled, scoring just three points on one-of-six shooting.
The Heat are one game away from advancing to the next round and are the only team to take a 3-0 lead in the first round of the playoffs. They face either the Brooklyn Nets or Toronto Raptors if they advance to the second round, and could have close to a full week's rest if they close out the series Monday.
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