Chapter 78: He’s Better Than Jordan.
111-104.
With a 26-19 performance in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers defeated the Heat on the road.
The Heat were still the same team with the same style, but the difference was Han Sen.
Last time they faced each other, he wasn't even a starter, playing just 18 minutes. But tonight, he played 38 minutes.
Han's relentless defense on Wade made it difficult for the latter to use pick-and-rolls to attack O'Neal like before.
Furthermore, the Heat's 'Big Q' Quentin Richardson, due to injuries and a lack of defensive effort, was a disaster when matched up against LeBron James.
Add in Beasley's negligible help defense, and Wade was forced to help more defensively.
This led Wade to grab several steals, but the energy he spent on defense caused him to have a poor fourth quarter.
In the end, he shot only 11 of 26, contributing 24 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 6 turnovers.
Post-game statistics: Beasley had 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Heat; Jermaine O'Neal had 17 points and 3 rebounds; Chalmers had 14 points and 6 assists; Richardson had 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 fouls.
For the Cavaliers, LeBron James scored 34 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists; Cunningham scored 18 points (a career-high); Shaquille O'Neal had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Mo Williams added 13 points and 3 assists.