Times wires
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MIAMI — Another big lead, another big collapse. It's becoming a trend for the Heat and one the Magic was more than thrilled to exploit Thursday.
Down by 24 points in the third, the Magic went on a 40-9 run over the next 15 minutes and stunned the Heat 99-96, the second-largest comeback in franchise history.
Jason Richardson scored 24 for Orlando, 11 of them to start the burst that turned a 73-49 deficit into an 89-82 lead.
"Well, that defies explanation," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
There have been only six instances this season of a team taking a 22-point lead or more and losing. The Heat has been victimized that way twice, the first against Utah.
"We've blown a lot of games where we were in full control," Heat forward Chris Bosh said. "And we have to do something."
Jameer Nelson scored 12 of his 16 in the second half, and Dwight Howard finished with 14 points and 18 rebounds for the Magic, which fell into the 24-point hole when LeBron James scored with 8:57 left in the third quarter.Orlando outscored Miami 50-23 the rest of the way.
"To do it on the road, that was an incredible win," Van Gundy said.
Said the Heat's Dwyane Wade: "Mind-boggling."
James and Wade combined for 47 points in the first half. That was long forgotten by the end.
"We just hung in there, battled, got some stops," said Richardson, who was 5-for-5 from 3-point range after halftime.
James scored 29 and Wade had 28 for Miami. Wade was 0-for-4 in the fourth, James 0-for-2.
Durant on hold: NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant was held out of practice with a sprained left ankle, and Thunder coach Scott Brooks said it's doubtful he will play tonight at Atlanta.
Around the league: New Nets point guard Deron Williams said that despite right wrist and left hand injuries, he will play today in London against the Raptors in the NBA's first regular-season game in Europe. … The Warriors signed free-agent forward Al Thornton, the former Seminole who was released by the Wizards earlier this week. … Celtics forward Glen Davis will miss a week with a left knee injury. … The Mavs signed forward Corey Brewer, the former Gator who was waived by the Knicks earlier in the week, to a three-year deal.
WNBA: San Antonio, Texas, will host the league's All-Star Game, set for July 23 at AT&T Center.
Magic 99, Heat 96
ORLANDO (99): Turkoglu 1-3 0-0 3, Bass 3-6 2-2 8, D.Howard 5-10 4-6 14, Nelson 6-15 3-4 16, J.Richardson 9-14 0-0 24, Anderson 5-10 2-2 15, Redick 1-3 2-2 5, Q.Richardson 1-3 0-0 3, Arenas 3-7 2-2 11. Totals 34-71 15-18 99.
MIAMI (96): James 11-16 7-7 29, Bosh 5-15 3-3 13, Dampier 3-3 3-3 9, Chalmers 2-11 1-1 6, Wade 10-18 8-12 28, Miller 2-3 0-0 5, Jones 0-1 1-2 1, Ilgauskas 0-2 0-0 0, Bibby 1-4 0-2 3, Anthony 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 35-75 23-30 96.
Orlando 22 23 26 28— 99
Miami 30 33 17 16— 96
3-Point Goals—Orlando 16-29 (J.Richardson 6-8, Arenas 3-5, Anderson 3-6, Turkoglu 1-2, Redick 1-2, Q.Richardson 1-2, Nelson 1-4), Miami 3-17 (Miller 1-2, Bibby 1-4, Chalmers 1-6, Bosh 0-1, Jones 0-1, Wade 0-1, James 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Orlando 41 (D.Howard 18), Miami 46 (Miller, James 6). Assists—Orlando 25 (Nelson 7), Miami 13 (Wade 5). Total Fouls—Orlando 24, Miami 19. Technicals—Orlando defensive three second. A—19,600.