*Kobe Bryant couldn't hit a shot: Dwyane Wade couldn't take one.
That made Tuesday night's 78-75 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center of far greater concern for the Miami Heat.
Rewarding. But still of concern.
"This may have been our most tough-minded win of the season," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We've been waiting on this."
With
Wade sidelined for the night, and likely longer, in the first half with
what the Heat termed a "mild left hamstring strain," a resounding 18-0
start to the game turned into something for more treacherous for
Spoelstra's team.
"I could have played the game," Wade said, "but I decided to be smart and catch it early before making it worse.
"I knew instantly. I felt a little, light pull."
Instead, Wade appreciated what he saw.
"We still found a way," he said. "That's what we've been talking about."
By
the end of the first quarter, the Heat's opening 18-0 lead was down to
22-12. In the third quarter, the lead was down to one, as it was again
early in the fourth quarter after five consecutive points by Lakers
guard Jeremy Lin.
Ultimately, there was survival, with Wade reduced to spectator in the second half.
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