Heat 98, Lakers 87 was Miami's second straight home victory since losing three in a row on the road. LeBron James had a monster game despite suffering from flu-like symptoms throughout the day.
James' line: 31 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals and three blocks. LeBron has scored at least 30 points in eight games this season, which leads the NBA.
Other thoughts:
--The Heat locked down Kobe Bryant for most of the game with Shane Battier getting the bulk of the credit for his perimeter defending. Bryant had 10 points entering the fourth quarter and finished with 24.
--Paul Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 41 points but the Heat outscored the Lakers 17-4 in second-chance points.
--Eddy Curry made his debut with the Heat and received a loud ovation. Fans chanted "Eddy!" when he was at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter. Curry had six points in six minutes. Not bad.
--Joel Anthony had one of his best games this season. He had seven points, seven rebounds (including four offensive rebounds!) and a block and caused problems inside for the Lakers throughout the game.
--Andrew Bynum had the game's only double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
--Heat three-point shooters were 50 percent from behind the line, making 9 of 18 three-point shots. Battier led the way with three.
--The Heat outrebounded the Lakers 44-38.
--Video of LeBron's block against Bynum:
-joe
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