The Blazers scrapped back from down as much as 15 to avenge their October loss to the Heat with a 110-107 buzzer beating win Monday evening in Miami. Ths time with Josh Hart, hitting a corner three off a last second pass by Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons returned after missing four and two games respectively, and the Blazers got out to a quick start before exchanging shots with Miami in an even first quarter. Simons hit a three to start things off and the Blazers built a 10-3 lead before the Heat caught fire. The quarter ended tied 28-28.
The Blazers were lethargic for most of the second quarter on defense, while the Heat lit it up from outside. The Heat scored most of their points in the quarter off a handful of self inflicted turnovers by the Blazers. Portland trailed by 7, 60-53 at halftime.
Things went from bad to worse for Portland to start second half as Miami continued their hotstreak and built their lead to 15. The Blazers manged to get the deficit down to 9 by the end of the quarter.
From there Justice Winslow willed the Blazers back in, slowly cutting the lead. Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons hit key threes to drive the run, and Damian Lillard forced his way to the free throw line to get Portland in front. Both teams traded shots and foul call against Anfernee Simons was overturned, allowing the Blazers possession. Simons hit a pair of free throws off an inbounds foul, but Strus hit a corner three to tie it. Lillard ran up the court and dished it to Josh Hart for a game winning three at the Buzzer.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 25 points. Grant added 23 points. Lillard put up 19 points in his return.
Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Max Strus put up 16 points a piece to lead the Heat.
The Blazers will play the Hornets Wednesday at 4:00 PM (PDT).
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