Oakland, CA (My Sportsbook) - Michael Beasley made a veteran play in his rookie season, stepping front of an inbounds pass, getting fouled and draining the winning free throw with 3.6 seconds left in overtime, as Miami downed Golden State, 130-129, sending the Warriors to their seventh straight defeat.
It happened in stunning fashion, as Golden State appeared ready to win in both regulation and overtime. Udonis Haslem, who scored 21 points with 13 rebounds, put back a Beasley miss just before the buzzer to force overtime. Miami grabbed 21 offensive rebounds overall, and outrebounded the Warriors, 51-36.
Chris Quinn then hit a game-tying three out of the right corner before Beasley's steal and free throw. Jamal Crawford, who scored 40 points in his first home game as a member of the Warriors, saw his running floater roll off the rim at the horn.
"We felt like in overtime we came out we played catch-up for the first minute or two and then we kind of took control of the game and we fought, and we fought so hard," said Crawford. "We could've came out with a win, we deserved to win, but we just came out on the short end of the stick."
Dwyane Wade scored a team-best 37 points to go along with 13 assists, Shawn Marion added 21 points and 15 rebounds and Beasley donated 19 points. The Heat are 2-2 on their road trip, which ends Wednesday in Utah.
"I wish we had more games like that," said Wade. "I don't want to score 30 a night. I would love to pass the ball more. It's big to see guys step up with confidence. The three by Quinn was huge and the play by Michael was bigger."
Corey Maggette made 17-of-18 free throws to support his 29-point night, and Brandan Wright added 15 points. Andris Biedrins totaled 17 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.
Miami opened up a 30-27 lead after one stanza, but fell behind by the time 24 game minutes were in the books. A pair of Stephen Jackson free throws put the Warriors in front, 36-35, and the edge reached five points, 44-39, on a Crawford rare four-point play with 6:24 on the clock.
Crawford converted a more conventional three-point play for a 47-41 advantage with 5:59 to go and Wright's slam along with Crawford's floating runner capped a quick 7-0 stretch for a 51-41 edge with 5:08 remaining.
Quinn's jumper cut the deficit to 58-54, and the deficit remained at four points, 64-60, at the half.
The game seemed to reach a crescendo late in the fourth quarter. Wade's running jumper brought the Heat within 114-113 then Maggette made 1-of-2 free throws for a two-point edge with 1:12 on the clock.
Wade drove into the lane on the next possession, but Daequan Cook missed a good look at a trey after Wade kicked it out to the deep right elbow. After the Warriors failed to score, Beasley was blocked on a drive, but the made scramble came out to the Heat, who called timeout with 14.8 ticks to go .
Wade missed a three-point heave at the end of the shot clock, but Miami again got another chance when the ball bounced out of bounds off the Heat with 7.8 seconds left. Beasley missed a game-tying baseline jumper, but Haslem collected the rebound and laid the ball up and in just before the red light to send the game into overtime.
Haslem and Maggette exchanged buckets to start overtime, and Beasley's power move and conversion put the Heat up 119-117. C.J. Watson's deep two-pointer jumper again squared the contest, but Beasley powered inside again for a basket and the lead. Crawford floated a short jumper over Beasley to again tie the game, then Watson made a steal and tossed a pass to a streaking Maggette, who was fouled but made both for the lead with 1:57 to play.
Wade came off a high pick and buried a game-tying jumper, but Crawford answered moments later with a contested jumper from the left wing. Miami didn't convert on the other end, but Maggette failed to score. Quinn missed a go-ahead three and Beasley was stripped after corralling the offensive board.
Wade again toiled amongst the big men in the lane, but three defenders altered his shot, forcing an erratic attempt. Biedrins grabbed the rebound and got the ball to Maggette, who drained both for a 127-123 edge with 18.4 seconds left.
Miami's star took the ball to the rim, and Wade got the shooter's touch and buried the free throw after a foul with 15.1 seconds left. Crawford was immediately fouled and made both for a 129-126 edge with 13.5 seconds to play.
Wade missed a three, but Crawford rolled out of bounds with the ball. Quinn hit a three with 7.1 ticks to go, and Beasley stole the inbounds pass.
The rest is history, resulting in another Warriors' loss.
Game Notes
Golden State's defense has been a major concern, as it had given up 109.1 points per game (an NBA worst) entering Monday's game...Miami has won 13 of the last 18 matchups in the series...The Heat made 28-of-31 free throws, but Golden State was even better at 47-of-52...Wade had three blocks...Crawford also dished out seven assists...The 47 made foul shots were the most for the Warriors since they made the same number at New Jersey on March 28, 1992.
