Miami now moves into the seventh slot in the Eastern Conference and tied with Indiana after defeating New York 105-88 and moving to a 37-38 overall record. After steadily increasing their lead to nine points through three-quarters, they finally blew the doors open early in the last frame. The Heat's biggest lead eventually grew to 23 points, and the Knicks never saw the lead past the second quarter. New York's team has now lost 9 of their last 11 games as they freefall down the East standings with a 28-47 record.
3-pointers are the difference for the Heat
Both teams attempted 25 3-pointers on the night, but Miami was able to get a +7 differential when it came to making them against their opponent. Shooting guard Josh Richardson (9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg) was the most successful hitting 3-of-7 from downtown. He finished his night with 17 points, the first time he's hit double digits in the last three games. Other players like Tyler Johnson and James Johnson hit two 3-pointers off the bench.
The Heat were able to hit 47.6 percent of their field goals on the night. Point guard Goran Dragic (20.1 ppg, 5.9 apg) led his squad with a team-high 20 points and had a positive passing ratio of nine assists to one turnover.
He followed up a brilliant performance against Detroit with 28 points.
Anthony brings down slumping Knicks
On the flipside, New York was pretty dreadful on offense hitting just 37.1 percent of their shots. Carmelo Anthony (22.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg) went just 4-for-12 from the field and finished with nine points. As this loss finally eliminated the Knicks from playoff contention, he said that he didn't "even know [his] role," but then suggested that it was to directly help the youngers players on the team as they try to improve.
Speaking of those younger players, power forward Kristaps Porzingis (18.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) led the team with 20 points and eight boards. He's been averaging nearly 20 points in the last six games since coming back from his thigh injury.
Up next, both teams will have a rematch on Friday night. This time it will take place in Miami.
