The Knicks had won four straight, but the Heat were ready. After narrowly escaping becoming the 76ers first win, Miami was extra motivated to defend its home court against a streaking Eastern Conference foe.
New York led early, 13-6, but the Heat responded with a 20-6 run and never trailed again in a 95-78 win. The Knicks managed just 30 points in the first half, with more turnovers (5) than assists (4) as Miami locked down defensively.
Derek Fisher's club chipped away at the lead in the second half, cutting a 26-point deficit to 17 by the end of the third. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis carried the offensive load on a night where the Knicks' bench went scoreless in the first half and contributed just 10 points; the duo combined for 41 points, 22 boards, 5 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks.