Wade's Heat take Kobe's Lakers 89-87

Friday night saw a thrilling clash between NBA Superstars, Olympic Teammates and former teammates of Shaq Diesel. It was the first game of an NBA Double header on ESPN and was down to the wire. Dwyane Wade's Heat barely survived in Miami as a Kobe buzzer beater went in and quickly bounced right back out as the game ended. Even though Kobe debuted a new pair of shoes at the game (said to be Nike's lightest bball shoe yet), they weren't enough to lift his Lakers to OT, or a win. (Kobe has chosen to switch to low tops for more ankle mobility).

The two teams are on almost opposite ends of the NBA spectrum, although this year's Miami team is much more respectable than a season ago. Dwyane Wade's healthy and looking better than ever since that season-ending shoulder surgery he had. The Heat at 12-12 have the fight in them to make this year's playoffs behind their phenom leader.

Meanwhile, Kobe's Lakers are still right up there with the red-hot Celtics. It was mentioned during tonight's Heat-Lakers contest that the Lakers were at 21-3, (now 21-4), and will be eagerly anticipating a Christmas day matchup against the Celtics. It should be one interesting replay of last year's Finals, this time with Andrew Bynum in the mix.