Heat 102, Nets 89
MIAMI -- The Heat are still perfect at home, and the Nets, even after a dominant first half, still can't beat Miami.
Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 34 points to help the Heat defeat Brooklyn, 102-89, Saturday night, marking their 12th straight win over the Nets.
It was also the Heat's eighth straight win at home to start the season, a franchise record. The Knicks (6-0) and Jazz (6-0) are the only other NBA teams still unbeaten at home this season.
The Heat scored 52 points in the paint, a season high. LeBron James had 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists, with just one turnover. Chris Bosh was held to eight points and two rebounds, but the Heat got an unexpected boost off the bench from guard Norris Cole, who had 12 points.
In the overall standings, the Heat (12-3) remain atop the Eastern Conference and have won six games in a row. The Nets (11-5), who came in tied for second with the Knicks, had their five-game win streak snapped.
The Nets entered the game on a 10-2 roll since losing by 30 points to the Heat at home on Nov. 7. The Nets talked before Saturday's game about redeeming themselves, but it did not happen.
The Heat, who trailed the entire first half, took control in the third quarter, ending the period on a 17-6 run.
The Nets, who led 59-50 at the half, were powered early by Deron Williams. The point guard had eight assists at halftime -- one more than the entire Heat team.
Center Andray Blatche, who was starting for the injured Brook Lopez, led the Nets with 12 points. Brooklyn out-rebounded the Heat, 22-11, and had a 13-3 advantage on second-chance points.
The Nets, who were up by as many as 14 points, held James without a field goal until 5:24 left in the first half. James finished the half with 10 points.
Wade led all scorers with 16 points, but Bosh was held to four points with no rebounds.
NOTES: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was called for a technical foul in the second quarter. He apparently thought Wade was fouled under the basket and was upset when no violation was called. ... Next up for the Nets is their second consecutive game against a 2012 NBA finalist when they host Oklahoma City on Tuesday. ... Lopez, who is averaging a team-high 18.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, missed the Heat game because of a sprained right foot. Nets coach Avery Johnson said "it would take a miracle" for Lopez to be able to play Tuesday. ... Heat starting forward Shane Battier (sprained right knee) missed his second game in a row. Rashard Lewis again started in his place. ... The Heat plays at lowly Washington (1-13) on Tuesday before returning home to face the 11-4 Knicks on Thursday night. The Knicks beat the Heat in New York, 104-84, earlier this season.
