Miami Heat guards Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade certainly did their thing last night.
This time around, it was the Miami Heat that was in control the whole game.
Similar to Wednesday’s blowout against the New York Knicks, the Heat managed to hold on to a lead over the Portland Trailblazers throughout three quarters, with a similar outcome moving into the fourth.
The difference this time around, however, was that the Trailblazers, led by Damian Lillard’s 42 points, gave them quite the scare with three minutes left.
The first half heroics of Dwyane Wade, followed by the second half dominance of Goran Dragic, was what ultimately sealed the deal for Miami, in an 120-111 win on Saturday night.
Wade dominated the first half, ending it with four 3-pointers; the last one with seconds winding down the clock.
It was a halftime buzzer beater in front of his son, a true reminder that Father Prime still owns Wade County.
He finished with 19 points and three rebounds, in 21 minutes of action.
Their third quarter woes returned however, when Portland outhustled them 37-32.
Fortunately though, Dragic came to the rescue when called upon.
In a milestone game where he surpassed 10,000 points (becoming the first Slovenian player in the NBA to ever do so), he took control late in the game, with two late-game clutch 3-pointers.
His 28 points bombarded the defense, as he alone outscored the Trailblazers 8-7 in the final three minutes.
He also contributed three rebounds and five assists, in brilliant Heat fashion.
This win wasn’t easy, as Lillard continued to prove why he is just as good as any other All-Star point guard. He simply wouldn’t back down, finishing the ball game with 42 dominant points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
C.J. McCollum followed suit with 19 points and seven rebounds for the night.
That wasn’t a match for the newly formed Heat offense though, which displayed a more balanced unit, notching in production from all sides.
Kelly Olynyk splurged for second-chance opportunities, something the Heat desperately lacked in their season opener versus the Orlando Magic, as he finished with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Rodney McGruder displayed yet again another all-around performance, notching in 14 points and 10 rebounds; a splendid candidacy for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Hassan Whiteside also continued his resurgence tour, making a difference defensively, despite only finishing the night with five points; he had 16 rebounds, 13 of which came from defensive boards, an entirely new look for a new Whiteside in the post.
Let’s hope this collective offense becomes a consistent trend, while Miami continues their momentum Monday night against the Sacramento Kings in Miami.