An angry LeBron James didn’t want to leave anything to chance.
The Miami All-Star forward was fouled hard on the previous play by Toronto. So when he made a key steal late in the Heat’s 95-89 victory, he made absolutely sure of his basket.
James’ rim-rattling dunk punctuated a 30-point effort in the Heat’s victory as it helped put away the pesky Raptors.
“You have to create energy for yourself, especially in these early games,” James told ESPN.com’s Heat Index. “I was just trying to create energy for myself and my teammates.”
It enabled Miami to claim its 10th victory in 12 games and moved within one game of Chicago for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The late surge also enabled James to lead Sunday’s Studs and Duds on an abbreviated Super Sunday schedule.
STUDS
Miami F LeBron James: Notched 30 points, nine rebounds and was plus-11 in the Heat’s triumph over Toronto.
Miami G Dwyane Wade: Produced 25 points, three assists, two rebounds, two blocked shots and was plus-16 in the Heat’s victory over the Raptors.
Boston F Kevin Garnett: Went for 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and was plus-12 in the Celtics’ victory over Memphis.
Boston F Paul Pierce: Notched 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and was a game-best plus-28 in the Grizzlies’ triumph over the Grizzlies.
DUDS
Memphis C Marc Gasol: Limited to seven points on 3-for-14 shooting, had seven turnovers and was minus-26 in the Grizzlies’ loss to Boston.
Memphis G Mike Conley: Went 2 for 8 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-25 in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Celtics.
Toronto G Jose Calderon: Held to eight points with five turnovers and was a team-worst minus-13 in the Raptors’ loss to Miami.