NBA schedule and results: Heat top Cleveland as LeBron James returns to Miami

The Heat came out energized and clamped down on defense and on the boards, limiting Cleveland to only one shot per possession. That control in the rebounding department came as a result of a full team effort, as six Heat players finished the first half with at least two rebounds to the Cavaliers’ three. The unselfishness translated to the other end as well in the first quarter, when eight of Miami’s 11 buckets were assisted. The only reason the ball didn’t move as much in the second period is because it wasn’t necessary.

In two visits to his old stomping grounds, LeBron James has seen his new team come out flat and dig a hole they were unable to crawl out of the rest of the way. Wade has looked rejuvenated and Miami’s supporting cast more competent than the Cavaliers’, at least on those nights. Two games likely won’t be enough for James to consider the pleas of Heat fans asking him to return but he surely won’t forget them as quickly as most other losses.

DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best post players in the NBA. He’s also absurdly athletic. That allows plays like this to happen.

A lot of big men would have picked up the charge when they caught the pass with a full head of steam and a defender waiting. Cousins instead shuffled his feet, put down a dribble, took one step and exploded for a dunk. Mike Muscala just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being around the rim against Boogie is never a safe place.

2 Chainz was signing something earlier, and at least one person in the Hawks organization is hoping it’s a contract.

2 Chainz did play basketball in college, so you never know!

The Raptors were able to stop the streaking Pacers on Monday night, but Indiana point guard George Hill produced the best Vine. Who was the real winner?

How does a human being casually fire a 23-foot shot in one motion without bringing the ball down in an NBA game? You see this when pros are messing around, but not in the heat of battle.

You know how Russell Westbrook hasn’t seemed to like answering questions this year? Well, that continued Monday.

Since it doesn’t explicitly say here who that last question is from I’m just going to tell myself and all my loved ones that he was talking to me. I’m the real MVP. Thanks Russ.

(Hat tip to theScore)

Dwyane Wade almost lost the ball out of bounds, but managed to save it and fire off one of the best passes of the year.

You’ll notice we cut the video off before Dragic’s shot. That’s because we didn’t want you to see him let down the entire state of Florida.

We know LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are tight. You may remember the four straight trips to the NBA Finals and two championships. I remember #GoesBeyondHoopsYouClowns.

There’s no doubt both players are amped up to play against each other on Monday night. On this possession in the second quarter, Wade got the best of James with a steal at one end and layup at the other. LeBron probably remembers plays like that one a little too fondly right now with Miami holding a big lead.

LeBron James is making his second business trip back to Miami this season on Monday night. The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to face James’ former team, the Heat, and it appears that Miami misses LeBron just a little bit:

We want 2 meet u 2, LeBron. Let us know when you’re in town.

The oft-injured, 32-year-old just needed some inspiration to begin his dunk contest campaign. Watch out, Zach LaVine!

(Via CSN Washington)

Phil Pressey drives, lays it up, and...

Misty May-Treanor Thomas Robinson swats it into the third row. You tried, Phil, and no one can blame you for that.

I’d hope the winner won’t have to pull a gun on Trebek to get their money.

What are the Wizards?!

Infamous mascot tormenter Robin Lopez is back at it AGAIN. This time the Blazers’ big man was caught on camera stealing the Wizards mascot’s hat. Poor G-Wiz!

Quite frankly, it’s disturbing that the NBA continues to tolerate this horrific abuse. It was just one night ago that Lopez BRUTALLY shoved the Raptors’ mascot. Before that, he beat up the Pistons’ mascot - twice. Make it stop!

Big men always worry about being stuck on a quick guard like George Hill and getting embarrassed like this. Patrick Patterson lived the nightmare.

(Via TSN)

The Rockets haven’t been shy about lobbying for Harden to win the league’s top honor this season, something that’s ruffled feathers despite the guard’s stellar play. Folks certainly have their various opinions on Houston’s aggressive efforts to support its star, but it’s undeniable that he’s been among the best players in the league this season.

None of that could stop Harden, who still managed to get his own despite being the obvious focal point of the attack. It’s been established at this point that Harden’s game is dependent on drawing fouls, but when the formula works, it can be the sustenance for an otherwise starving offense.