Chalmers has another big day against Thunder

MIAMI — Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers admits he has struggled most of the season.

But it should come as no surprise he would break free from his slump against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chalmers was one of the biggest keys in the Heat’s 103-97 victory Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

He scored a season-high 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting, making four 3-pointers.

“No one ever doubts Mario Chalmers in big games,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“You always want him in your foxhole when the pressure is at its highest. We needed him and he got us off to a great start. He was aggressive and the ball was finding him. We are clearly a better team when he is playing at his best. When he is aggressive, engaged and focused, we are a different team.”

Chalmers played Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook to almost a standstill.

Westbrook finished with 21 points.

It was the second time Chalmers has come up big against Oklahoma City.

He scored a playoff, careerhigh 25 points in Game 3 of last year’s NBA Finals.

“I just wanted to do my best to help my team,” Chalmers said. “I got going early and I stuck with it.”

Chalmers’ most important stretch came when the Heat created enough separation to hold off the Thunder.

He scored five straight points, hitting a 3-pointer to put Miami ahead 86-79 with 8:59 left in the game.

“I felt pretty good,” Chalmers said. “Versus the Thunder you’re not going to get too many open looks. So I just took them.”

Foul streak ends

Forward LeBron James committed his first personal foul since Dec. 8, ending a streak of six consecutive games without one.

With 7:53 left in the first quarter, he was whistled for a foul after trying to block a Serge Ibaka layup attempt.

James went 254 minutes, seven seconds without a foul.

Spoelstra predicted before the game Jameswould have difficulty extending the streak.

“I want him aggressive,” Spoelstra said. “He probably should have four fouls. He should be making those type of plays on the ball.”

Miller milestone

Swingman Mike Miller became the 313th player in league history to top the 10,000-point barrier.

Miller reached the plateau midway through the second quarter.

He now has 10,005 points in his 12 seasons.

Dueling again

Shane Battier and Westbrook are no strangers when it comes to scuffles.

And Tuesday was no different. Things got a little testy in the fourth quarter when Westbrook was fouled on a breakaway by Battier.

The two got into a minor skirmish under the basket, with teammates coming to their aid. After the foul was downgraded from a flagrant, technicals were assessed to Ibaka and

Dwyane Wade.

“I actually got the ball,” Battier said. “I got him with the body. … It was a highspeed play and obviously his force carried him into [the stands]. Iwas going for the ball. It wasn’t anything more than that.”

Battier and Westbrook were involved in an altercation during last year’s Finals that resulted in a double technical foul.