The Miami Heat delivered a record-setting performance on Wednesday night, dismantling the Los Angeles Lakers 134-93. Tyler Herro spearheaded the Heat’s dominant victory, scoring 21 of his game-high 31 points in a remarkable third quarter. The Heat not only cruised to their most lopsided win of the season but also etched their names in the franchise record books with 42 assists, surpassing the previous mark of 41 set against Portland on March 29.
Miami’s barrage of 24 3-pointers tied another franchise record, underscoring their offensive efficiency. The 41-point margin of victory stands as the third-largest in team history.
Herro’s explosive third quarter was a masterclass in sharpshooting. He knocked down seven 3-pointers, tying the Heat record for any quarter. Only Duncan Robinson has achieved the same feat, sinking seven triples in a second quarter against Cleveland on November 20, 2019.
Jimmy Butler added 17 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed a near triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Miami’s unselfish play and precision passing fueled their record-setting assist total, a testament to their offensive rhythm and chemistry.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points, breaking out of a shooting slump by hitting 12 of 18 shots. His 3-pointer in the third quarter was historic, moving him past Kyle Korver for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list with 2,451. However, his efforts weren’t enough to prevent another disheartening loss for Los Angeles, who have dropped six of their last eight games, including back-to-back blowouts by a combined 70 points.
Rui Hachimura added 14 points for the Lakers, but their defense faltered throughout the night. Miami’s ball movement and perimeter shooting overwhelmed Los Angeles, who trailed by as many as 43 points—their largest deficit this season.
James snapped a six-game streak of shooting under 50%, the longest since his rookie season in 2003-04. Defensive lapses and lack of offensive support outside of James remain significant concerns.
Their 43-point lead was their largest of the season, previously holding a 24-point lead against Washington on November 2. Herro’s seven 3-pointers in the third tied a team record, showing his potential as a game-changing scorer.
The Lakers will try to salvage their road trip with a stop in Atlanta on Friday, while the Heat continue their four-game homestand, hosting the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Both teams will look to build on pivotal performances in these upcoming matchups.
Miami’s record-breaking night serves as a statement to the league, showcasing their offensive prowess and team-first mentality.
