LeBron Silences MSG Crowd with Triple-Double as Heat rout Knicks

LeBron disappointed the city of New York during the off season when he decided to take his talents to south beach, and he added more hurt tonight as he went off at the Garden and left the fans, players, and city speechless.

This game was built up from the beginning of the week because the Knicks had won eight straight games up until Wednesdays last second loss to Boston and the Heat were winners of ten straight. A'mare Stoudemire came into this game on a nine game streak of 30 plus points and looked to continue that as LeBron was trying to continue his outstanding success at Madison Square Garden.

The game was tight throughout the first half. The Heat did jump out to a 13 point lead but by halftime that was all gone as it was 57-57. LeBron James heated up early and often for Miami. He was hitting from all different spots on the floor including dunks, spot up jumpers, and three pointers. LeBron ended with a triple double (32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) the 17th of his career when he scored 30 or more points; passing Michael Jordan on that list.

The game quickly turned in the third quarter where the Heat outscored the Knicks by 16 points 33-17. James was key in this quarter where he went for 14. From there, Miami never looked back. They went on to win the game 113-91 in convincing fashion. This extends their season long win streak to 11 games.

Dwayne Wade ended with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists and Chris Bosh had 26 points as well with 7 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo has really come on strong for this Miami Heat team who had many questions asked about their point guard in the preseason. Arroyo has added not only stability but an outside scoring threat as well. He had 11 points tonight.

A'mare Stoudemire still had a productive game with 24 points and 14 rebounds but his 30 point streak did come to an end. Danillo Gallinari has been more than expected this year for the Knicks this year but still is subject to trade talks for Carmello Anthony. After his performance today, New York may want to think that over. He had 25 points on 4-8 from three point range. He also shot 50% from the field.

On another positive note for the Heat, Mike Miller is only days away from making his season debut. He says he is "ready to go" but will wait until he is cleared by team doctors. Coach Erik Spolestra considered dressing him today but opted not to due to his lack of practice time. The Heat need him to get in the rotation to add a pure shooter to the lineup.

HEAT RECORD: 20-8
LAST 10: 10-0
STREAK: W11
STANDINGS: 1st Southeast Div. (2.5 game lead)/ 2nd Eastern Conference (2 1/2 GB)
NEXT GAME: @ Washington Wizards (6-18; 5th Atlantic Div.) Sat. 12/18 7:00pm EST on NBATV

Top Performers
Miami: L. James 32 Pts, 11 Reb, 10 Ast, 1 Stl
New York: A. Stoudemire 24 Pts, 14 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk