Clutch play turns back surge

MIAMI — The challenge Saturday night for the Miami Heat was one that largely will define this season: the ability to overcome individual brilliance with collective depth and resolve.

The test this time was provided by Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, who was coming off a 41-point performance two nights earlier against the Orlando Magic.

A week ago, the Heat lacked enough to overcome Kemba Walker’s 39 points in falling to the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of this four-game homestand.

This time, even with Lillard closing with 42, even with the Heat blowing a 19-point lead, strength in numbers played to the Heat’s advantage in a 120-111 victory at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Because Goran Dragic closed with 28 points, including two key late 3-pointers.

Because Dwyane Wade turned back to the clock to score 19.

Because Kelly Olynyk stepped up when needed to score 19.

And because Hassan Whiteside dominated on the glass with 16 rebounds.

The Heat pushed to their 19-point lead in the second period and went into halftime up 57-42. Portland trimmed their deficit to seven in the third, before the Heat went into fourth up 89-79.

Portland later tied it 96-96 with 6:12 to play on a Zach Collins