Los Angeles

Heat Wrap Up West Coast Trip With Win

The Heat completed a successful West Coast road trip on Friday with another victory

The Miami Heat ended their five-game West Coast trip with a 95-83 win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

The trip which is annually considered one of the more difficult ones on the schedule saw the Heat visit Portland, Los Angeles, Golden State and Sacramento. Miami ended up taking three of the five including both games in LA.

This victory was even more impressive for Miami as it came while shorthanded. Dwyane Wade missed a second straight game with a hamstring injury. Chris Andersen was also unavailable due to an illness. Both players could be back for the Heat in their next game.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra turned to Hassan Whiteside for the start with Andersen out. This idea did not last long however. Within the first two minutes of the game, Whiteside picked up two personal fouls and headed to the bench. During the second quarter, the center would find himself back on the court briefly before picking up a third foul.

Whiteside started the second half and ended up playing 15 minutes in all. The 25-year old avoided any more foul calls and contributed four points and one rebound. It was one of the more lackluster lines of late for Whiteside but Miami was still +5 with him on the court.

Also making the start was Shabazz Napier who ended up with 38 minutes of action. It was the second straight game that Napier started and his most minutes played of the season. The first-round pick had 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Chris Bosh had the strongest line for Miami with his 30 points and seven rebounds in 39 minutes. As is the norm, Bosh became Miami's undisputed main weapon with Wade out. The big man produced from downtown as well going 3-3 on his trey attempts.

Luol Deng also had a big night with 25 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes. Deng has stepped up for the Heat in the last two games to give Bosh some much needed help.

The Heat will take a few days off now before returning to action on Tuesday. It will be Miami's first home game since January 4th and will come against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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