Bam Adebayo posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in just three quarters to lead the host Miami Heat to an historic 142-82 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
It was the largest margin of victory in Heat history. The Heat (40-33) also dished out a franchise-record 41 assists.
Miami, which led by as many as 47 points, also got a game-high 26 points along with 11 rebounds from reserve Thomas Bryant. Terry Rozier scored 22 points and backup Haywood Highsmith added a career-high 20 points.
“We lost some games we thought we could win,” Bryant said in a postgame interview. “This feels good.
“Bam is a big part of our team, but he can’t play all 48 minutes. I just try to give some relief to our (starters).”
Jimmy Butler, who missed the previous game due to illness, returned and provided eight points and eight assists in 25 minutes.
The Trail Blazers (19-55), who have lost nine straight, were led by Scoot Henderson, who scored 20 points. Deandre Ayton added 18 points, including 16 in the first half.
Portland led early. It was 5-0 Blazers before the Heat closed out the first quarter with a 29-19 lead.
Miami shot 69.2 percent in the second quarter, including 7-of-11 on 3-pointers (63.6 percent) to outscore Portland 45-21. By halftime, the Heat led 74-40.
Portland finished 1-of-15 shooting on first-half 3-pointers. Miami made 10-of-19 from deep.
Also in the first half, Miami had a 23-5 advantage on fastbreak points and Adebayo led all scorers with 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field.
The Heat cruised in the second half, leading 103-67 after three quarters.
For the game, Miami shot 59.3 percent, including 21-of-39 on 3-pointers (53.8 percent).
Portland shot 40.2 percent, including 5-of-30 on 3-pointers (16.7 percent).
–Field Level Media
