7 Jan 2012

Bosh lifts Heat to win in absence of stars

6:45 am on 7 January 2012

Miami's Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers stepped up in the absence of superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade to deliver the Heat a dramatic 116-109 NBA win over Atlanta.

Bosh had 33 points with 14 rebounds, while Chalmers scored 29 points, including five in the third overtime, as the Heat pulled away for a gutsy road victory.

Meanwhile San Antonio beat Dallas 93-71, as reserve Matt Bonner led five players in double figures with 17 points, including five threes, helping the Spurs spank the reigning NBA Champions.

Sacramento edged Milwaukee 103-100 with Tyreke Evans scoring 26 points including four free throws in the final 18 seconds, helping the Kings rally from 21 down at halftime to beat the visiting Bucks for new head coach Keith Smart's first win.

Elsewhere Kobe Bryant's 30 points weren't enough for the Los Angeles Lakers, who went down 107-96 against Portland.