NBA: Miami Heat 115-105 Houston Rockets | Bam Adebayo Dominates Paint as Pelle Larsson Seals Fourth Quarter

MIAMI — The Miami Heat defeated the Houston Rockets 115-105 in the NBA behind Bam Adebayo's 24 points and 11 rebounds and a decisive fourth quarter from Pelle Larsson, a victory that solidified local control down the stretch after an opening marked by back-and-forth scoring.

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The game started with an immediate impact from Houston. The Texas squad came out with high tempo and punished Miami in transition to open a 4-14 lead that forced the Heat to quickly adjust their defense and offensive flow. The response was emphatic: the Heat strung together a 37-14 run that completely transformed the early script and allowed them to close the first major stretch with a 41-28 advantage.

From there, the game entered a more balanced phase. Houston found consistent production from Kevin Durant, who finished with 32 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 20 points and Reed Sheppard contributed 14, the latter in the starting lineup in the absence of Jabari Smith Jr., who is out with a right ankle sprain. Head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that his presence is not expected in Washington on Monday either.

Miami maintained its lead leaning on the interior consistency of Bam Adebayo and collective impact. Tyler Herro, starting in place of injured Norman Powell (right groin strain, at least a week out), added 18 points. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 14 and Kel'el Ware completed a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins, who needed eight stitches to close a cut inside his mouth, chipped in 12 points.

In the second half, neither team managed to pull away clearly. The margin moved in tight ranges until Pelle Larsson took center stage in the decisive period. The wing scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and, with 1:52 remaining, converted two free throws that put the Heat up 113-103, establishing the first double-digit lead of the entire second half and leaving the game essentially decided.

The result allows Miami to strengthen its position in the fight to solidify itself in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while Houston will need to reshape its interior rotation in the short term with Jabari Smith Jr. sidelined.

The 115-105 victory confirms the Heat's ability to manage changing scenarios and close out games through defense and rebound control in the decisive minutes.