The Miami Heat (33 - 26) defeated the New York Knicks (25 - 36) 98 - 81 on Sunday. No matter the circumstances, the Heat just seems to have the Knicks' number this season. Having already limited New York to a pair of 78 - point outputs in two late November contests, Miami was at it again Sunday. The Heat held New York to its second lowest scoring total of the season in the defeat, and also welcomed their latest acquisition, Joe Johnson. The home squad wasted no time getting the 15 - year veteran acclimated, inserting him into the starting lineup in his first game in a Miami uniform. Johnson responded well to the opportunity, collecting 12 points, three rebounds and three assists over 30 minutes of action, and notably draining a three - pointer with his first shot of the night. The Knicks also had a change to their starting lineup, albeit a temporary one. Arron Afflalo was given the night off to heal a bruised thigh, and Langston Galloway stepped into the starting five in his stead. Despite his team's overall paltry offensive output, Carmelo Anthony did manage to tally 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a block in spearheading the New York offensive attack. Robin Lopez was solid as well, posting a 14 - point, 14 - rebound double - double that also included two assists and a trio of rejections. Kristaps Porzingis was the only other starter that approached double - digit scoring, as he amassed nine points, eight boards, an assist and four blocks. Lance Thomas paced the bench with 12 points, which he complemented with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Knicks retain a hold of third place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, and are now six and a half games behind the eighth - seeded Chicago Bulls. They're home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday evening. Miami received a vintage effort from Dwyane Wade, who managed 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Hassan Whiteside followed with a 16 - point, 11 - rebound effort off the bench over 26 minutes. He also provided solid defense in the form of a trio steals and a pair of blocks. Luol Deng continued his solid stretch of play with 15 points, seven boards, two assists and a steal. Goran Dragic compiled 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block. Amar'e Stoudemire offered eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block against his former New York teammates. With the victory, the Heat are atop the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division, and currently hold the fourth seed in the conference as well. They're home again on Tuesday, when they'll face off with the Chicago Bulls.
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