Heat waste most of big lead, hold on to top Lakers

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The Miami Heat knew the run was coming. Even early in the fourth quarter, with a 23-point lead, Heat players were telling each other that the game wasn't over.

They were right. And they handled the moment — then moved atop the Eastern Conference.

Jimmy Butler broke LeBron James' record for triple-doubles in a Miami uniform, Duncan Robinson scored 25 points and the Heat held off a furious comeback attempt from the Los Angeles Lakers on the way to a 113-107 win on Sunday night.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) attempts to pass the ball as Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker, center, and guard Gabe Vincent (2) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

"I think those are important experiences to go through together," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

The win, combined with losses by Brooklyn and Chicago, put Miami (30-17) at the top of the East, a half-game ahead of the Nets (29-17) and a game clear of the Bulls (28-17).

Butler finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists for Miami, his 10th regular-season triple-double for the Heat — one more than James had in his four Miami seasons.

Miami led 89-70 going into the fourth, pushed the lead out to 23 with 8:38 left, then had to stave off what became a 32-13 Los Angeles run that got the Lakers within four in the final moments.

"To have those kind of pivotal moments down the stretch, you can never have enough of those," Robinson said. "They're invaluable."

Caleb Martin scored 15, Bam Adebayo scored 14 and Gabe Vincent had 11 for Miami, which wasted most of a 26-point