Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and Miami used a 29-8 run in the second half to pull away from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 106-91 win that eliminated LeBron James and the Cavs from the playoffs.
"We weren't playing defense. Coach kept stressing that and we knew it," Wade said. "We just really wanted to lock down on defense and get our transition game going."
A crowd of 20,213, a record for the AmericanAirlines Arena, saw the surging Heat win their 11th in a row at home. The Heat, who began the season 0-7, raised their record above .500 (40-39) for the first time since Oct. 31, 2001.
James kept his team in the game, but the Heat outscored Cleveland 27-12 in the fourth quarter to kill the Cavs' faint hopes of making the playoffs.
James led Cleveland with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Miami had six players in double figures. Brian Grant had 19 points, Lamar Odom added 18 and Eddie Jones 15.
Wizards 83, 76ers 80
In Philadelphia, Gilbert Arenas sank a 3-pointer as time expired and scored Washington's final 12 points in its win over Philadelphia.
The loss meant Philadelphia would be eliminated if Boston defeated New Orleans later Friday night. If not, the Sixers would have to win their final three games and the Celtics have to lose all of theirs.
Pistons 74, Raptors 66
In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Richard Hamilton scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead Detroit over Toronto for its sixth straight win.
Tayshaun Prince added 14 points, while Ben Wallace had 16 rebounds and Rasheed Wallace added 12 boards.
Vince Carter and Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 18 points each.
Pacers 90, Nets 80
In Indianapolis, Ron Artest's 24 points and four steals helped Indiana beat New Jersey and clinch homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
The victory assured the Pacers (59-21) of having the best record in the league and also set their NBA franchise record for wins in a season. The Pacers can eclipse their all-time record, set in the ABA, with a win Monday at Philadelphia.
Rockets 106, Nuggets 103
In Houston, Steve Francis made a season-high 33 points as Houston edged Denver to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in five years.
Marcus Camby scored 23 points and Carmelo Anthony had 20 as the Nuggets lost for the sixth straight time in Houston.
Francis hit four free throws and Cuttino Mobley made a 3-pointer in a span of 1:35 to give Houston its biggest lead, 99-92 with 2:29 to play.
Nene hit a follow shot with 18 seconds left to pull the Nuggets to 104-103, and Jim Jackson's two free throws with 17 seconds to go made it 106-103. Rodney White missed a desperation 3-point shot with five seconds to play, and Andre Miller missed a 25-footer at the buzzer.
Timberwolves 92, Warriors 74
In Oakland, California, Kevin Garnett had 29 points and 15 rebounds as Minnesota thrashed Golden State to stay atop the Western Conference with its seventh straight victory.
Sam Cassell added 19 points and seven assists for the Timberwolves, who pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 14-0 run. Minnesota snapped the Warriors' seven-game home winning streak.
Lakers 103, Grizzlies 95
In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 28 points and 12 rebounds as the LA Lakers downed Memphis.
The Lakers were booed when they trailed by 19 points in the second quarter, but Bryant ignited a comeback and Los Angeles went on to end a two-game losing streak.
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