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The Miami Heat pulled away from the Atlanta Hawks late to pick up a 104-88 win on Tuesday night. LeBron James posted a season low 13 points in just 31 minutes. Chris Bosh led the team in scoring with 19 points, and Dwyane Wade sat the game out.
Following the game, LeBron James spoke on how the team keeps things going when one player is out.
“The system is in place when someone is out, guys step in. It’s just a true testament to our team,” he said. “We understand what needs to be done in there when guys are in and out of the lineup – or whatever the case may be – and the other guys can get it done.”
The Heat were up by 10 points at the end of the third quarter, but after the bench gained momentum, the starters did not see anymore action. James discussed himself and the rest of the starters spending the fourth quarter on the bench.
“We’re very confident in our lineup. Those guys continue to play well, continue to work together and, it’s great to have a Hall-of-Famer in that lineup with Ray (Allen) coming back.”
Miami heads to Orlando tonight to take on the 4-6 Orlando Magic in the Sunshine Showdown. The Magic have been tough at home, sporting a 4-2 record.
Magic rookie guard Victor Oladipo talked about facing the likes of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade for the first time.
“Pretty much all the elite players in this league, you’re going to have to slow them down. It’s hard to shut them down completely because they’re so great,” he said. “They’re so agile and can score in different ways. It’s all a growing process, something I’ve never done before. It’s going to be fun.”
Oladipo is excited for the opportunity to face LeBron and the Heat, but he knows that playing smart, especially on defense, will bode very well for the Magic.
“We just have to be solid on the defensive end. Not trying to gamble too much or try to overplay steals, because if you do, you’re going to pay for it on this level.”
Magic center Nikola Vucevic has had big games against the smaller Miami Heat frontline in the past. Vucevic, averaging just shy of 16 points per game and a little over 11 rebounds, will look to continue his success tonight.
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