Rashard Lewis sizzles as Heat scorch Spurs in preseason tilt

Miami, FL, United States (4E Sports) – Rashard Lewis sizzled in the fourth quarter, unloading 11 of his 15 points, and Josh Harrelson buried a go-ahead three-pointer as the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 104-101, Saturday in a preseason game at American Airlines Arena.

The 6-10 Lewis, who signed with the Heat in the offseason after a forgettable stint with the Washington Wizards, buried all of his four attempts in the final period, including three three-pointers to help the Heat overcome an eight-point deficit.

Lewis’ three-pointer with five minutes left tied the count at 95 before the Heat took the lead for good, 102-99, behind a three-pointer by Harrelson. Terrell Harris sank a jumper with 26 seconds left to give the Heat a 104-101 lead after the Spurs came within one.

The Spurs (3-2) had a chance to tie the game but Cory Joseph’s three-point attempt bounced off the rim.

Dwyane Wade scored 13 points while Mike Miller added 10 off the bench for the Heat (3-2), who played without reigning MVP LeBron James. Coach Erik Spoelstra said James was sidelined with general soreness.

Norris Cole and Harrelson chipped in 10 points apiece while Shane Battier and Chris Bosh contributed nine and six points, respectively, for the Heat. New acquisition Ray Allen finished with seven markers on 2-for-8 shooting.

Danny Green paced the Spurs with 17 points while Tim Duncan finished with 15 points and six rebounds. Gary Neal added 12, Kawhi Leonard had 10 and Boris Diaw contributed eight markers.

San Antonio’s playmaker Tony Parker was held scoreless in nine minutes of action while top reserve Manu Ginobili scored just three points on 1-for-7 shooting.

Miller buried three three-pointers to give Miami its biggest lead, 57-46, but the Spurs waxed hot in the second half to take an 85-77 advantage at the end of the third period.

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