A Toronto Raptors' buzzer-beater forced overtime, but the Miami Heat held on for a thrilling 102-96 win over the Raptors Tuesday. The victory gives the Heat a 1-0 advantage in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Free throws nearly cost Miami, as the team missed several down the stretch and shot just 65 percent from the charity stripe.
The Raptors led by two at the half, but the Heat had a 10-point lead with 6:30 to play. However, the Raptors clawed their way back into the game, cutting the lead to four or less multiple times with less than four minutes to play. Kyle Lowry, who had struggled from the field all game, hit this buzzer-beater to force overtime.
Kyle Lowry was 2 of 11 before hitting a half-court buzzer-beater to force OT. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RA99fT39kx
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 4, 2016
After finding a way to force overtime, Toronto struggled at the start of the extra frame. The Heat started OT on a 8-0 run, and the Raptors failed to score until there was just 1:14 to play. The Raptors cut the lead to three and had a chance to tie it with 10 seconds left, but turned the ball over.
Dragic had a huge game for the Heat. He had 26 points and six rebounds, although he did have an embarrassing air ball on a wide-open jumper. Dwyane Wade had a strong effort, putting up 21 points, six boards and four assists. He took over the game in overtime.
There was a scary moment in the first quarter for the Heat, as Hassan Whiteside slipped on a wet spot and grabbed his knee in pain. However, he was able to return and posted nine points and 15 rebounds.
With Kyle Lowry's struggles continuing, the Raptors leaned on Jonas Valanciunas, Demar DeRozan and Terrance Ross. Valanciunas posted 24 points on 9 of 15 shooting, 12 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and three assists. DeRozan was just 8 of 21 from the field, but stepped up late and finished with 20 points. Coming off the bench, Ross had 19 points. Lowry was just 3 of 13 from the field for seven points. He had five assists and four steals, but also turned it over three times.
Game 2 of the series is Thursday in Toronto. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET.
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