The Miami Heat were playing with a short bench but were able to hold on for a 93-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
Hassan Whiteside, Chris Andersen and Dwyane Wade were all unavailable for Miami. Whiteside needed stitches after a hand laceration on Tuesday. Andersen is dealing with a calf injury and Wade missed the game due to a knee ailment he suffered a day earlier. All three players are considered day-to-day.
The win was important for Miami following a tough loss in Milwaukee. It did not come easy however even though the Heat took a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter. Part of this could be attributed to the fact Miami had exhausted players on the court.
With the victory, Miami now has a 33-38 record on the year and remains in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston sits directly behind Miami in eighth place and now trails by two games.
Udonis Haslem stepped up in a big way with a double-double in a rare start. The veteran gave Miami 38 strong minutes while pulling down 12 rebounds to go along with 12 points. Haslem also had three steals in an all-around superb effort.
Goran Dragic also had himself a good day with 22 points and seven assists in 37 minutes. Dragic was Miami's main offensive weapon with Wade unavailable.
The Heat will travel next to Atlanta for a game against the Hawks on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
