Portland Trail Blazers vs. Miami Heat: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction
The Miami Heat entered Wednesday night's home contest against the Portland Trail Blazers with the East's eighth seed. Tied with both the seventh- and ninth-ranked teams, they were in dire need of a win. Despite falling behind early, the Heat were propelled by Dwyane Wade's fourth-quarter heroics, beating Portland 108-104.
Wade scored the last eight points for Miami, including the game-tying floater and the go-ahead, off-balance jumper. With 15 points in the fourth quarter, 21 in the second half and 32 in the game, Wade's incredible March campaign continued.
Prior to the final period, Portland was in control of the game. Displaying brilliant offense featuring beautiful ball movement and stellar shooting, the Blazers scoring attack was flawless at times, headlined by LaMarcus Aldridge's 34 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite the Blazers' hot shooting, the Heat remained within reach until Wade pushed them ahead, thanks to a consistent scoring output from Goran Dragic and Luol Deng. Dragic finished with 20 points and 11 assists while Deng added 24 on 9-of-13 shooting, going perfect from downtown.
Hassan Whiteside filled up the stat sheet, too. With 12 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks, he made his presence known along the interior on both sides of the floor.
Damian Lillard added 17 points for the Blazers while Arron Afflalo scored 15—the bulk of which came from the outside. However, it was Aldridge who stood out, taking advantage of Miami's weakened depth at the power forward position.
In the end, though, his standout play was wasted. Wade came out stronger in the closing minute as the Heat proved themselves against a top-tier playoff-bound team for the second game in a row.
