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Heat hope to continue domination of Charlotte

Jan 18, 2014 - 3:01 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Miami Heat snapped a three-game losing streak and will try to salvage something on this road trip Saturday night when they visit The Time Warner Cable Arena to meet the Charlotte Bobcats.

Miami opened its six-game odyssey away from South Beach with three consecutive losses. The two-time defending champs fell in New York, Brooklyn and Washington, but got back on track in the City of Brotherly Love.

On Friday, the Heat held off the pesky Philadelphia 76ers, 101-86, at the Wells Fargo Center. Miami avenged a 114-110 loss to the Sixers on Oct. 30, but most importantly, snapped a season-long skid.

"We came in with a better focus and intensity," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Guys were more committed defensively. It's good to get back to winning."

Chris Bosh had 25 points, six rebounds and five blocks for Miami. LeBron James tallied 21 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, while Shane Battier and Norris Cole both finished with 13 points.

Mario Chalmers added 10 points in his first game back after a nearly two-week absence with an Achilles injury. Dwyane Wade only managed eight points.

The Heat shot 47.5 percent from the field, but committed 20 turnovers. Their defense was what propelled them to victory on Friday. They held the Sixers under 37 percent from the field, to 10 percent from long range and forced 23 Philly turnovers.

The Bobcats collected their second victory in the last three Friday night with a road win over the Orlando Magic. The Bobcats bested Orlando, 111-101, as they return home for three straight.

Al Jefferson poured in a game-high 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Bobcats to a win over the Magic at the Amway Center.

Kemba Walker totaled 19 points and 10 assists, while Josh McRoberts and Gerald Henderson finished with 17 points apiece for the Bobcats. Ramon Sessions chipped in 10 off the bench.

Charlotte took a timeout a minute into the second half when Orlando took a five-point lead. That break changed the momentum and helped the Bobcats explode for a 22-7 run.

"I like the way we played. We had good fight," Bobcats head coach Steve Clifford said. "There were times there where we could have caved, but we showed good poise and good execution."

The Heat have owned their Southwest Division rivals in recent history. Miami has won 14 straight against the Bobcats, including two this season, and six in a row in Charlotte.