MIAMI -- No Lebron James. No problem. At least against the Washington Wizards.
Dwyane Wade scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter propelling Miami to a 107-95 win over their division rival.
Wade got plenty of support from Norris Cole, who scored a career high 23 points, while Chris Bosh added 26 points and 15 rebounds for the defending Eastern Conference champions.
Both teams overcame a jittery start as Miami and Washington combined for nine turnovers in the first quarter alone. After things settled, the sold-out crowd of 19,744 at the American Airlines Arena were treated to a see- saw battle with 16 lead changes through three quarters.
Then Miami took off early in the fourth quarter with a 84-73 lead after Heat rookie James Ennis soared for a thunderous and one dunk over veteran Rasual Butler.
Washington came roaring back behind a 8-0 run cutting Miami's deficit to just one.
Then Mario Chalmers and Cole hit back to back threes setting up Dwyane Wade's timely baskets to wrap up the game.
The Wizards were led by Drew Gooden and Marcin Gortat who scored 18 points apiece. Washington were without the injured Bradley Beal and Nene, who was suspended after a pre-season fracas against the Chicago Bulls.
Miami will face the Philadelphia 76ers on the road Saturday. (SA)
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