Their Christmas game in the Staples Center was supposed to be a gauge to judge just how far the Heat have come as far as team chemistry is concerned, while the Lakers were just out to prove that they were still the team to beat in the NBA as defending back-to-back champions.
Last evening's Heat and Lakers Christmas Day match-up was hardly what anyone expected. While the Heat came out motivated on offense and defense, the Lakers just couldn't find a reason to get involved in the game. Their 14 points in the opening 12 minutes was the lowest they have scored all season in any first quarter. Miami would score 20 in the first quarter and led the rest of the way.
The lead would eventually hit double-digits in the third quarter and remain that way until the fourth quarter, when it topped out over 20 before the Heat put in their garbage time unit. Miami would eventually take the game 96-80 behind huge offensive games from James and Bosh and a huge defensive effort from Wade. The Heat's big three had significantly triumphed over the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, as they were held scoreless for the first quarter and continued to struggle the rest of the way.
Much like they did in Cleveland and New York, the Heat had once again silenced a raucous crowd before the game was over. It took a little while longer than usual, but considering they were facing the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers, anything was possible until the clock hit 0:00. However, the 20-point lead that the Lakers faced was far beyond any Christmas miracles they could conjure up.
As Kobe vents his frustration with his team, the H...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
