MIAMI: Chris Bosh scored 19 points and Ray Allen added 17 to spark the Miami Heat over visiting Atlanta 104-88 yesterday, giving the reigning NBA champions their fourth win in a row.
Despite star guard Dwyane Wade sitting out the contest as a precaution due to worries over knee injuries, the Heat managed to defeat the Hawks for an eighth consecutive meeting between the clubs.
Mario Chalmers added 14 points, including nine in a row during a pivotal 23-6 Miami run in the third quarter to give the hosts the lead for good, and LeBron James had 13 for the Heat, who improved to 6-1 in home games this season.
Mike Scott had 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Hawks, while Al Horford and Pero Antic added 12 points each in Atlanta’s 14th loss in its past 16 games against Miami.
The Heat, 8-3, moved two games in front of the Hawks, 6-5, atop the Southeast division. Miami will next face Orlando in games today and Saturday while Atlanta will face Detroit today and tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal scored 25 points, John Wall added 14 points and tied his career high with 16 assists, and the Washington Wizards beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-100 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.
Martel Webster’s 3-pointer with 42 seconds to play gave the Wizards a 100-98 lead. Beal added two free throws with 12.9 seconds left to make it 102-98. Webster had 17 points, including five 3-pointers. AGENCIES
