Allen, Heat top short-handed Spurs 105-100

The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-100 Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Heat forward LeBron James led all scorers with 23 points, but it was Ray Allen's 3-pointer with 22.6 seconds remaining that proved to be the difference. Allen received a pass from James at the wing to put the Heat ahead 100-98.

Miami trailed 98-93 before making its move late in the fourth quarter. The game was much closer than many expected because the Spurs were playing without stars Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and starterDanny Green. Coach Gregg Popovich sent the players home Thursday morning after a game the previous night in Orlando.

Popovich said the decision was based on the team playing four games in five nights. The Spurs started Boris Diaw, Matt Bonner, Tiago Splitter, Nando De Colo and Patty Mills.

Splitter led the Spurs with 18 points and nine rebounds. Guard Dwyane Wade had 19 points for the Heat while center Chris Bosh added 18 and 12 rebounds.