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The Los Angeles Lakers are taking care of business out of the All-Star break, winning their fourth game in a row in a 131-113 victory over the Miami Heat. The Lakers led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter, their offense roaring through the streets of South Beach. This was the Lakers’ first win in Miami since Feb. 10, 2008.
Julius Randle set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the first eight minutes of play on five-of-seven shooting. Hassan Whiteside struggled containing him around the paint, Kelly Olynyk didn’t do any better, and the Lakers got a big boost from the Running Bull himself. He’d go on to finish with 25 points, six rebounds and two assists.
This game was a bit of a coming out party for Isaiah Thomas, who was an absolute force off the bench. He piled on points in the fourth quarter en route to a 29 point outing, draining six of his 11 three-point attempts. He also dished out six assists. Lonzo Ball was all over the place, playing great defense and impacting the game in the little ways that make him such a dynamic player.
Ball racked up eight points, seven assists, six rebounds and six steals.
Dwyane Wade had a throwback performance off the bench, leading the heat in scoring with 25 points. He nailed a fallaway jumper over the backboard and Lonzo’s extended hand that would’ve made Kobe Bryant proud in the midst of his resurgence in Miami. Bam Adebayo was a problem for the Lakers, racking a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers’ offense proved to be far too potent Thursday night, though, shooting 55.2 percent from beyond the arc (16-28). They’ll enjoy a day off for their effort before taking on the San Antonio Spurs to wrap up their four-game road trip on Saturday.