Heat vs. Knicks: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction, Grades and More

The Miami Heat proved they could still capture a tough road game with a 93-85 victory in New York today.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were too much for Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. The Big Three were balanced and dangerous, as each took a turn delivering in key stretches during the game.

When they play like they did today, it's easy to see why many—including myself—still believe the Heat are the favorite to win it all.

Here is a closer look at the game.

Video Highlights:

Wade had a great start, with 12 early points. Chris Bosh finds Flash for the easy lay-in here:

The story of the first half was Anthony's scoring explosion. He had 22 points, including two on this nasty crossover and pull-up jump shot:

As Anthony began to take over, the defense began to send the double-team. Here, he hits Tyson Chandler for the easy dunk after the defense rotates over:

In the second half, the Heat attempted to regain control after the Knicks pulled even at the half. James shows nearly all of his offensive gifts on this play; the strength, grace and touch are apparent:

The Heat and their fans held their collective breath when James turned his ankle on this play:

James shook it off and delivered this beautiful pass to Wade for the easy flush:

Things began to look like a real playoff game, as Chandler took a hard foul on James. This was ultimately called a flagrant foul—and justifiably so:

See what happens when you play dirty? Not long after Chandler dealt the dirty foul on James, he tweaked an ankle on this play:

Put out an APB, because there has been a double-robbery. Iman Shumpert picked Wade clean on consecutive plays:

And that'll just about do it. The Knicks, Anthony especially, gave a great effort, but this tough fade-away by James wrapped it up:

Twitter Reaction:

Anthony's offense carried the day for the Knicks. Sebastian Pruiti of Grantland.com wonders if Anthony's dominance is a good thing:

"

"Do t know the answer, just asking...is it a good or bad thing that Melo has half his team's points?"

— SebastianPruiti (@SebastianPruiti) April 15, 2012"

It's easy to see that Anthony is more comfortable without Jeremy Lin on the floor. Robert Littal of Black Sports Online observes:

"

"Curious what Knicks do this summer it is clear Melo is happier and plays better as THE MAN. Not part of crew."

— Robert Littal (@BlkSportsOnline) April 15, 2012"

At the half, James showed his basketball IQ and underrated understanding of the game. Ben Gulker also recognized that in James' halftime interview:

"

"LBJ just said their defense is built around 'contested two's.' That impresses me. That's smart defense. @MIA_Heat_Index"

— Ben Gulker (@brgulker) April 15, 2012"

Eric Reid of Fox's Sun Sports recognized Anthony's pace in the first half and what he could have potentially done to the Heat's defense today:

"

"Most pts @MiamiHEAT have allowed to an individual opponent this season is 34 to Derrick Rose.Mello has 22 in first half in NY with 7 rebs."

— Eric Reid (@EReidMiamiHeat) April 15, 2012"

B/R's own Joye Pruitt spoke about all the James-haters who are eager to blame him for a tied game at the half:

"

"I can't take a nap. People loading my mentions with 'LeBron is the reason Miami is slacking'...You can't be that basketball illiterate"

— Joye Pruitt (@JoyetheWar) April 15, 2012"

B/R's NBA featured columnist Kelly Scaletta speculated about what Chandler's injury could mean to the Knicks (Chandler did return in the fourth quarter):

"

"It's huge for the Knicks if he's out for any length of time. Knicks have zero shot in first round against Heat or Bulls without him."

— Kelly Scaletta (@KellyScaletta) April 15, 2012"

As usual, Bosh's solid game went a little unrecognized—except by Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

"

"Chris Bosh has a double double in the 3Q, first time that's happened in awhile. Has 10 pts, 11 rebs."

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 15, 2012"

Chicago Bulls play-by-play man Chuck Swirsky objectively chimed in on Chandler's foul on James:

"

"Chandler-flagrant foul..no question."

— Chuck Swirsky (@swirsk054) April 15, 2012"

Okay, it's not just me. Wade seems to yell at Mario Chalmers after every error, whether it's his fault or not. Here's Windhorst again:

"

"Wade with 3 turnovers in first 2:30 on 4Q. LeBron will probably yell at Chalmers about it, tho."

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 15, 2012"

The Stadium Insider just about summed this one up; Anthony was exhausted:

"

"Melo is out of gas"

— Ross Sheingold(@StadiumInsider) April 15, 2012"

Grades:

Big Three: A

James, Wade and Bosh were spectacular in this one. They combined for 73 points, 33 rebounds and eight assists.

It was a truly dominating performance, and games like this one are the reason I still believe the Heat are the favorites.

Anthony: A

Anthony deserves a grade by himself after this game. He had 42 points, but he simply didn't get enough help from his teammates. Only one other Knick was in double-figures, and that was J.R. Smith with 16.

Melo also had nine rebounds and five assists. He did it all before he ran out of gas in the fourth.

Knicks' Rebounding: D

New York was murdered on the glass, 47-33; Chandler only had five rebounds in 31 minutes. In the playoffs, they cannot be destroyed on the glass like this and expect to advance.

Heat's Free-Throw Shooting: A

Miami made 17-of-21 free throws (81 percent), while the Knicks made only 61 percent of their opportunities.

That's a huge disparity and another area the Knicks must clean up to be serious in the postseason.