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Jazz-Heat: 56k | 300k |
After playing a league-leading 30 road games before the All-Star break, the Heat began a stretch in which they play 12 of 15 contests at home. In the opener of a four-game homestand, they rode another terrific effort from Wade, who scored at least 30 points for the third time.
"We want to make the playoffs," Wade said. "We have to take care of business at home. Coming into tonight, we have 12 of our next 15 games at home."
While Miami's schedule appears favorable, it features eight games against teams that have winning records.
"It sounds good but we have some teams coming in," Wade said. "We are going to take it one game at a time because we really want to make the playoffs. That's the goal in this locker room right now."
Wade scored 16 points in the first half as the Heat led by as many as 22 before settling for a 50-37 advantage. The Jazz were within 58-53 midway through the third quarter but Wade keyed a pair of runs that clinched Miami's first win over Utah in seven tries.
"We ran a lot of pick-and-rolls for Dwyane tonight," Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I actually think that he did most of his damage off of high pick-and-rolls and side pick-and-rolls and getting into the lane. The guy is great with the ball and he makes you look good with what you are calling.
"I wish I could take more credit from his play, but I can't. He made a lot of plays for people."
Wade finished two points shy of his season high and led the Heat in scoring for the third straight game. Since returning from the injured list on Jan. 2, he is shooting 58 percent (53-of-91) and in this one, drew raves for his play from Utah coach Jerry Sloan.
"His continuation is probably the best in the league," Sloan said. "His continuation on drives to the basket is the best I've ever seen. He's a great player."
The 6-4 guard from Marquette made 8-of-13 shots and 14-of-17 attempts from the line. His big night helped Miami overcome the struggles of Eddie Jones, Lamar Odom and Caron Butler, who combined for just 17 points.
All-Star Andrei Kirilenko led the Jazz with a career-high 31 points but it was not enough as Utah lost for the sixth time in eight games.
"We weren't ready to play to start the game," Sloan said. "They ran us to death up and down the court. We got back real soft when we got within three points. We needed to get back defensively and get in front of people. We didn't do that. They got back and got a couple of baskets on us."
