The Atlanta Hawks crushed the Miami Heat 98-89 despite excellent game of LeBron James who scored 38 points.
James had to endure countless boos during the match as the Hawks had the advantage of playing at their home court and their fans were relentless in putting the Lakers down. James went on to score a preseason-high 38 points on 11-of-22 shooting and brought the ball up the court throughout the game. He finished with 11 rebounds, two assists and made 3 of 4 three-point attempts and had a commendable point guard play.
James and forward Chris Bosh stayed on the court for extended time in what appeared to be a preparation for the regular season; James stayed on for 38 minutes and played the fourth quarter for the first time in this preseason. Bosh was on the court for 40 minutes and scored 14 points and managed 14 rebounds.
Swingman Mike Miller sit out the game as he injured his thumb during Wednesday practice with James Jones replacing him; reserve guard Eddie House made his debut. House made 3 of 3 three-point attempts in 12 minutes in the first half and managed to encourage the team to stay in the game. He went on to finish the game with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field.
Mario Chalmers played after missing two games due to a sore ankle and scored three points and three assists in 22 minutes. Guard Dwyane Wade was out due to a sore hamstring though Coach Erik Spoelstra said he will join the Friday game in Tampa but will not play.
