Rarely can any team say that they are relieved to have the Los Angeles Lakers – in the midst of an eight-game winning streak – coming to town.

But for the Miami Heat, that was clearly the case.

The Heat ended a season-high five game losing skid, as they triumphed over the Lakers, 94-88.

The story of the game was defense.  It was one in which the superstars didn’t really resemble superstars.  For the home team, their big three combined for 63 points, which was well below their combined average.  In the first half, the Heat worked through forward Chris Bosh, who shined early.  LeBron James and Dwyane Wade stepped up to make some key baskets in the second half, and eventually sealed the win.

All-Star Game MVP Kobe Bryant had a very interesting night.  Bryant started the game 4-4, getting the the tin and hitting some rhythm jumpers.  But Bryant would shoot 4-17 for the remainder of the night.  Credit Wade with absolutely shutting him down.  Every time Bryant put the rock on the deck, Wade was right with him step for step.  Kobe was unable to gain any advantage on his penetration attempts, and was forced to settle for some deep (and perhaps ill-advised) three-point attempts (a couple of which he actually converted).  Late in the fourth quarter during some critical possessions for L.A., Bryant jacked up a few triples (forced by Wade) that were well off the mark.

Chris Bosh carried the Heat early on against the Lakers.

So, Kobe was not Kobe-esque late in the game, but that should be no surprise.  Bryant struggled against the Heat in their Christmas Day showdown, and he has generally struggled if and when he’s matched up with James.  But Wade proved to have the unique combination of foot speed, lateral quickness and athleticism that bothered Bryant when it mattered most.

Since Miami has defenders that match up favorably with Kobe, the Lakers are the one team that the Heat can outduel in late game situations.  In clutch situations, the Lakers are perhaps even more predictable than the Heat, because Bryant is the one player who is going to get the ball (as opposed to the possibility of two players for the Heat).   

The win will go down as being much bigger for Miami than Los Angeles.  And this changes nothing regarding the how the Heat match up with their other Eastern Conference foes.

But as we know that NBA is all about matchups.  And Miami matches up very well with the Lakers.

If Miami somehow magically makes it way to the Finals, Kobe and L.A. should be very worried.

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