Monday, February 23, 2009
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- LeBron James scored Miami's final 17 points in a furious one-man rally, finishing with 37 as the Heat pulled out a 101-98 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night.
In a game the Heat never led until the final 51 seconds, James willed them to their 10th straight victory over the Nets. With Dwyane Wade resting, James scored those 17 points over the last 4:48.
Chris Bosh had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Heat, carrying them early in the fourth until James checked back in midway through the period and turned what appeared a certain loss into a stunning victory.
Kris Humphries scored 29 points and MarShon Brooks had 24 for the Nets, who played without Deron Williams and lacked the finisher they needed against one of the NBA's best.
Miami won for the sixth straight time in New Jersey, a road game in name only. James heard loud "MVP! MVP!" chants, and he earned all of them no matter where the game was.
The Heat, also resting Shane Battier and Ronny Turiaf, won their third straight after consecutive losses.
The Nets were also without Gerald Wallace (strained left hamstring) and turned to a lineup heavy with NBA Development League experience that was nearly good enough.
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