Jan. 4--The Heat's offense looked sluggish. NBA leading scorer Dwyane Wade appeared to be having an off night, and it seemed as though the team's struggles on the second night of back-to-back games would continue.
But this young Heat team has shown this season that you can't discount its resilience or its ability to overcome deficits. And, certainly, don't doubt Wade. Wade and the Heat overcame a slow start, and, after a feverish second-half comeback, Miami defeated the New Jersey Nets 101-96 in overtime Saturday at AmericanAirlines Arena. Led by Wade's 29 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter and overtime, Miami improved to 18-14 this season, including a 3-0 mark against the Nets. Miami overcame its largest deficit this season, trailing by 16 points in the first quarter.
Miami led by eight points with 37.2 seconds left in overtime, but the Nets pulled within 98-96 on former Heat guard Keyon Dooling's two free throws with 10.7 seconds remaining. Vince Carter missed a potential gametying three-point attempt in the waning seconds, and Heat rookie Mario Chalmers made two free throws to put the game out of reach.
"I think guys have taken it a little too far about trying to win the fans back and trying to give them a good show," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said sarcastically.
LATE-GAME IMPACT
The game was close until the end, and for the first time in three games Wade was an offensive factor down the stretch. He had been held scoreless in the final quarter of Friday's loss to Orlando and Tuesday's victory against Cleveland. Wade scored 10 points in the fourth quarter Saturday, including two three throws that gave Miami an 85-83 lead with 33.3 second left.
He also had two blocks in the final 41 seconds of regulation, rejecting 7-foot center Brook Lopez and Carter. In overtime, Wade blocked an attempted dunk by Lopez en route to finishing with four blocks.
"I've never seen people block shots like that," Heat forward Yakhouba Diawara said. "I think Lopez is going to dream of Dwyane Wade tonight."
Wade said he prides himself on blocking shots as much as hitting clutch shots.
"I'm 6-4 on a good day," Wade said. "I love challenging the big guys. Timely blocks is what it's all about."
But Wade's blocks hardly reflected his effort on a night he shot 1 of 8 from the field to open the game and finished 8 of 23. He had seven points in overtime to cap a complete night, finishing with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
FILLING IN
The Heat was missing starting forward Shawn Marion, who had back spasms, and Wade missed part of the fourth quarter because of a bruised left knee. Wade went to the locker room during the break after the third quarter and re-entered the game with 7:23 left in the fourth. Wade said he bruised his knee hitting the court, but he said it felt fine after returning.
Although Wade starred, the supporting cast shined as well. Rookie Michael Beasley scored four consecutive points -- on a dunk and a jump shot -- for the Heat tas overtime began. He finished with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Reserve Yakhouba Diawara scored a season-high 19 points and helped propel the Heat on its comeback by scoring nine points in the third quarter.
Whereas the Heat was without its best defender, the Nets didn't have starting point guard and leading scorer Devin Harris, who was sidelined with a sore right hamstring. Harris' replacement, Dooling, scored 23 points. Cook, who replaced Marion in the starting lineup, had 15 points.
Marion, who was scratched minutes before tipoff, said he expects to return for Monday's game. Last season, back spasms contributed to Marion missing 15 games.
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