MIAMI- In his second return to the American Airlines Arena this season, LeBron James was welcomed cordially by his former teammates and the fans.
But once the game started, the Heat went right down to serious business and pummeled the Cleveland Cavaliers, 106-92, and cling to the 8th and last playoffs berth in the tightly-contested Eastern Conference.
Dwyane Wade provided much of the Heat's firepower with 32 points, including 21 in the first half where Miami stormed to a 58-48 advantage. Wade matched the entire Cavs scoring output in the second quarter with 16 points and Miami pulled away in the third quarter, leading by as many as 25.
Goran Dragic added 20 points and 9 assists for the Heat and Hassan Whiteside added 16 points and 11 rebounds.
"Our guys wanted it very badly tonight," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game. "We understand what the playoff race is right now. It felt like an old Miami Heat game with normal Miami Heat huddles. Guys were screaming at each other , a lot of passion in this game and it was much-needed."
Lebron James made 8 of 19 field goals for 26 points while Kyrie Irving made 5 of 15 for 21 and six assists. Timofey Mozgov finished with 10 points but the towering center only had 5 rebounds as the Cavs were badly outreboundedand 45-32.
Despite the loss, the 42-25 Cavs remained in second place in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the 40-27 Toronto Raptors.
Photo: Dwyane Wade was electric on Monday night, scoring 32 to lead the Heat past the Cavaliers, 106-92.
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