The Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 94-88 Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak. Heat forward Chris Bosh led the way with 24 points and nine rebounds. Guard Dwyane Wade scored 20 points while LeBron James added 19. It was the Lakers' first loss since the All-Star break, snapping an eight-game winning streak. Guard Kobe Bryant led four players in double figures with 24 points.
"It's one game. We certainly wanted to get over this initial hump but we want to keep on going. The important thing about a stretch like that is guys did not collapse." -- Heat coach Erik Spoelstra
Elsewhere, the Mavs blew past the Knicks with Dirk Nowitzki scoring 23, Shawn Marion 22 and Jason Terry 21. Finally, Denver was easy against Phoenix as Lawson put up a double double of 20 points and 11 assists.