ATLANTA, March 18 (UPI) -- LeBron James broke loose with a 43-point performance Friday that sent the Miami Heat breezing past Atlanta 106-85.
It was the third 40-point showing of the season for James and his most productive effort since he scored 51 points Feb. 2 against Orlando.
James hit 16-of-21 shots from the field, scoring 23 points in the third quarter, while the Heat shot 53 percent overall. Miami maintained a 3 1/2-game lead over Orlando in the Southeast Division.
Miami led by 29 points going into the fourth quarter and handed the Hawks their second straight setback.
Atlanta fell 4 1/2 games behind Orlando for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and the home-court advantage that goes with that position in the opening round of the playoffs.
Chris Bosh scored 17 and Dwyane Wade had 14 for Miami.
Marvin Williams led Atlanta with 15 off the bench.
