Miami Heat: Top 10 greatest single-game performances in history

10 of 12

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 11: Glen Rice #41 of the Miami Heat battles for a rebound against Larry Johnson #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during a game at the Charlotte Coliseum on March 11, 1995 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No.2: Glen Rice

April 15, 1995 vs. Orlando Magic

56 points (20-27), (7-8 3PT), (9-10 FT), 4 rebounds

Glen Rice was one of the greatest scorers in NCAA history.

To this day, he is still Michigan’s all-time scoring leader in several categories. He capped off his college career when he led the Wolverines to a victory in the 1989 NCAA Championship, in an MVP performance over Seton Hall.

When Rice was drafted No.4 overall by the Miami Heat during the 1989 NBA Draft, Miami desperately needed that scoring ability and the Michigan alum didn’t disappoint, averaging 19.3 points per game during his six-year tenure in South Beach.

Rice became known as one of the game’s best pure shooters and 3-point threats during the 1990’s, and he showcased this ability against the formidable Orlando Magic in 1995.

Already eliminated from playoff contention, the Miami Heat and Glen Rice were closing out a frustrating, underperforming season. The only highlight of the season was Rice winning the 3-Point Shootout during the All-Star Weekend.

Needless to say, when they faced their powerhouse state rivals, they had a big chip on their shoulders.

From the start of the game, Rice remembers the 55-win Magic, who would eventually be crowned the Eastern Conference Champions, chalking the game up as an easy victory. When he looked into the eyes of O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, a fire lit in his eyes and wanted to spoil their premature celebration.

It was a tightly contested game throughout, with the Magic narrowly leading the first three quarters. It featured several tremendous performances from Orlando players like O’Neal, who scored 38 points and grabbing 16 boards, and Hardaway, who added an additional 28 points while dishing out 18 assists.

However, their performances were moot, as the Heat, led by Rice, scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and completed a 123-117 comeback victory.

Heat coach Alvin Gentry wasn’t shy about drawing up plays around the on fire Rice, in order to achieve the comeback. Rice didn’t disappoint, setting a franchise record with 56 points that included seven 3-pointers.

It was the highlight of a disappointing Miami season and the last great game for Glen Rice in a Miami uniform.

During the offseason, newly hired Head Coach/GM Riley traded Rice to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mourning.

The move began a new era in Miami, where the Heat were a yearly contending team in the East for the next several seasons. Rice eventually joined O’Neal in Los Angeles, helping the Lakers win the 1999-00 NBA Championship.

Home/Heat All-Time Lists