The Miami Heat improved to 3-0 on the season with their 107-102 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
The Heat had a big lead, 16 at its peak before a furious run by Toronto in the fourth quarter. Miami was able to put an end to that rally and stay undefeated. Going into the game, the Raptors and Heat were the only two undefeated teams in the Eastern Conference. With the win, Miami now holds that title alone.
Dwyane Wade opened eyes and renewed excitement with his excellent effort on the latter half of a back-to-back. Last season, it would be the norm for Wade to sit in this type of game but instead he turned in a fine game. In fact, Wade was better in this game than he was in the previous contest.
The Heat veteran scored 19 points and added 11 rebounds to go with seven assists. Wade was efficient as well hitting 7 of his 11 attempts which included a long three-pointer. The Heat were +10 with Wade on the court and he is a key reason for the win.
Chris Bosh was not at the level he was in the first two games but he still was a force. Bosh 21 points and 11 boards as well as four assists and a steal. In three games, Bosh has put up terrific numbers that have brought back memories of his days in Toronto.
Josh McRoberts played again but only for eight minutes as he is in a preseason type mode right now. After missing the actual preseason entirely, McRoberts is coming off the bench but that should change soon enough. In his limited action, the forward scored two points and picked up a rebound as well.
The replacement in the starting lineup for McRobers remains Shawne Williams who was solid in this one. Williams had 16 points and five rebounds while going 3-7 on trey attempts. The forward has been a welcome surprise and has filled in for McRoberts admirably.
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As a team Miami was 9-24 on three-point attempts which has been a struggle for the team going back to the preseason. Mario Chalmers himself was 1-6 on such plays while his replacement in the starting lineup, Norris Cole was 1-3.
The Heat will try to start the season 4-0 when they take on Houston Rockets in Miami on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
