In the News

76ers' Brand out with sprained thumb (AP)
Philadelphia forward Elton Brand is inactive for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained right thumb. Brand got his thumb caught in a jersey in Friday night's loss to Miami in Philadelphia. Rookie Lavoy Allen of Temple will make his first career start as the replacement for Brand.

Wade, LeBron help Heat pull away from 76ers
Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, and LeBron James had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Miami Heat to a 99-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

Heat use late run to beat pesky Sixers (AP)
Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, and LeBron James had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Miami Heat to a 99-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Mario Chalmers scored 13 points and Chris Bosh had 12 to help the Heat go on a dominant late run that put away the pesky Sixers. The Heat used a 15-0 spurt in the fourth quarter to turn a tight one for 36 minutes into a comfortable victory...

Heat cruise in 4th to down 76ers
Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, and LeBron James had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Miami Heat to a 99-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

Heat, L.A. teams fill All-Star starting rosters
The NBA named the starters for the 2012 All-Star Game in Orlando on Thursday.

Bucks beat Heat again despite James' 40 (AP)

The Miami Heat have the stars, the sun and South Beach. Somehow, the Milwaukee Bucks have bragging rights. Brandon Jennings scored 31 points, including three 3-pointers in a critical stretch of the fourth quarter, and Milwaukee beat Miami 105-97 on Wednesday night for the Bucks' second win over the Heat this season.

Heat extend contract offers to Martin, Przybilla
The Miami Heat, interested in any and all veteran big men who become available on the market, are in the race for two such players that could make their decisions by the end of the week.

Bucks rally past stunned Heat
Brandon Jennings scored 31 points, including three 3-pointers in a critical stretch of the fourth quarter, and Milwaukee beat Miami 105-97 on Wednesday night for the Bucks' second win over the Heat this season.

Heat start slow before running past Hornets
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night.

Heat shake off slow start, beat Hornets (AP)

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night. James added 11 rebounds and eight assists for Miami, which won for the eighth time in nine games and ended up with six players in double figures.

LeBron, Wade fuels Heat comeback win
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night.

Rose's 35 carry Bulls over Wizards 98-88 (AP)

Derrick Rose scored a season-high 35 points, Carlos Boozer had 18 and Kyle Korver added 17 to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 98-88 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. One day after a four-point loss in Miami, the Bulls rebounded to improve their Eastern Conference-leading record to 18-5. They had lost two of their last three.

Boozer's son caught cheering for Heat
The son of Chicago Bulls star Carlos Boozer was set to get a good talking to after he was captured on video cheering for his dad's opponents, the Miami Heat, on Sunday.

Bulls bothered by call after inadvertent whistle
The Bulls believe an accidental whistle hurt them in Sunday's loss to the Heat.

Heat hang on against Bulls in closing seconds
LeBron James scored 35 points, while reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose wasted two chances in the final 23 seconds and the Miami Heat escaped with a 97-93 win Sunday over the Chicago Bulls.

Heat hold off Bulls as Rose misses late (AP)

LeBron James scored 35 points, while reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose wasted two chances in the final 23 seconds and the Miami Heat escaped with a 97-93 win Sunday over the Chicago Bulls. Chris Bosh scored 24 points and added 12 rebounds for the Heat, who never trailed -- but this win in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals was not easy.

Deng (wrist) out vs. Heat, Hamilton will play
Luol Deng is out and Rip Hamilton is a game-time decision for Sunday afternoon's showdown with the Heat, according to Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau.



Deng, Hamilton game-time decisions vs. Heat
Luol Deng and Rip Hamilton are both game-time decisions for Sunday afternoon's showdown with the Heat, according to Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau.



Bulls visit Heat in East finals rematch (AP)
A Sunday matinee matchup, with the top two teams in the Eastern Conference rekindling their playoff rivalry from a season ago. Derrick Rose says it's just another game. LeBron James offers a similar sentiment. Odds are, the past two NBA MVPs aren't being entirely truthful in their analysis. Rose and the Chicago Bulls visit James and the Miami Heat on Sunday, the first meeting this season...

Melo, Wade both out for Knicks-Heat battle
Carmelo Anthony will not play Friday night when the New York Knicks visit the Miami Heat, who are still waiting to see if Dwyane Wade's sprained right ankle will allow him to return to the lineup.

LeBron, Wade help Heat take down Knicks
LeBron James scored 31 points, Dwyane Wade scored 28 in his return from a sprained right ankle, and the Miami Heat beat the 3-point-obsessed New York Knicks 99-89 on Friday night.

Celtics rally from 27 down to stun Magic;(STRYLINK NAME:v8728; SLUG:2030 APBC-BKN--Celtics-Magic 2nd Ld-Writethru,1123;)(MLINK SSTRY:; PHOTO:201201262212799526948-012612; AUDIO:;))(HEADLINE XHL:Knicks' Anthony out vs. Heat, Wade iffy (AP)
Carmelo Anthony will not play Friday night when the New York Knicks visit the Miami Heat, who are still waiting to see if Dwyane Wade's sprained right ankle will allow him to return to the lineup. Anthony is being shut down for a few days because of wrist, thumb and ankle injuries. Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni also says point guard Baron Davis is still not ready for his season-debut.

Wade has 28 in return, Heat top Knicks (AP)

LeBron James scored 31 points, Dwyane Wade scored 28 in his return from a sprained right ankle, and the Miami Heat beat the 3-point-obsessed New York Knicks 99-89 on Friday night. Chris Bosh scored 13 points and James finished with eight rebounds and seven assists for Miami, which plays host to Chicago on Sunday in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals.

Heat blow past Knicks in Wade's return
LeBron James scored 31 points, Dwyane Wade scored 28 in his return from a sprained right ankle, and the Miami Heat beat the 3-point-obsessed New York Knicks 99-89 on Friday night.

Wade in, Carmelo out for Knicks-Heat battle
Dwyane Wade has recovered from his sprained right ankle and will play Friday night (8 ET, ESPN) against the New York Knicks, who will be without All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony.

Knicks' Anthony out; Heat's Wade ready?
Carmelo Anthony will not play Friday night when the New York Knicks visit the Miami Heat, who are still waiting to see if Dwyane Wade's sprained right ankle will allow him to return to the lineup.

Sources: Five teams pursuing ex-Nugget Martin
The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks are pursuing free-agent forward Kenyon Martin, according to league sources.

James key from line late as Heat edge Pistons
LeBron James scored 32 points, including the game's last six from the free throw line, to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-98 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

James' 6 late FTs get Heat past Pistons (AP)

LeBron James scored 32 points, including the game's last six from the free throw line, to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-98 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. The Heat trailed 98-95 after a 3-pointer by Detroit's Jonas Jerebko, but James made two free throws to cut the deficit to one with 1:19 left.

Heat's Wade (ankle) misses 6th straight game
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will miss his sixth consecutive game with a sprained right ankle, sitting out Wednesday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

Heat G Wade misses sixth straight game (AP)
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will miss his sixth consecutive game with a sprained right ankle, sitting out Wednesday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Wade is still day-to-day. He missed his eighth game of the season overall Tuesday night against Cleveland.

Heat, LeBron overpower Pistons late
LeBron James scored 32 points, including the game's last six from the free throw line, to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-98 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Bosh scores 17 in 4th, powers Heat past Cavs
Chris Bosh scored 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, LeBron James added 18 and the Miami Heat survived another shaky offensive night to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85 on Tuesday night.

Bosh's 17 in 4th, 35 for game spark Heat (AP)

Chris Bosh scored 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, LeBron James added 18 and the Miami Heat survived another shaky offensive night to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85 on Tuesday night. Bosh made 10 of 16 shots and reached the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season for Miami, which improved to 4-1 against Cleveland since James joined the Heat.

Wade to miss fifth straight game vs. Cavaliers
Heat guard Dwyane Wade missed his fifth consecutive game Tuesday night with a sprained right ankle, sitting out Miami's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Heat G Wade misses fifth straight game (AP)
Heat guard Dwyane Wade missed his fifth consecutive game Tuesday night with a sprained right ankle, sitting out Miami's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also out for the contest: Cleveland rookie Tristan Thompson, sidelined with a sprained left ankle. Wade remains listed as day-to-day and will travel with the Heat to Detroit for their game there Wednesday.

Bosh scores 17 of 35 in fourth
Chris Bosh scored 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, LeBron James added 18 and the Miami Heat survived another shaky offensive night to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85 on Tuesday night.

Bucks clamp down on Heat; win on road again
Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 16 off the bench and the Milwaukee Bucks held Miami to 37 percent shooting on the way to beating the Heat 91-82 on Sunday night.

Bucks stifle cold-shooting Heat 91-82 (AP)
Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 16 off the bench and the Milwaukee Bucks held Miami to 37 percent shooting on the way to beating the Heat 91-82 on Sunday night. It was the second straight road win for Milwaukee, which started the year 0-8 away from home. Andrew Bogut scored 13 points for the Bucks, who got 10 apiece from Shaun Livingston and Stephen Jackson.

Jennings, Bucks put away Heat
Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 16 off the bench and the Milwaukee Bucks held Miami to 37 percent shooting on the way to beating the Heat 91-82 on Sunday night.

Wade to miss another game for sprained ankle
Dwyane Wade will miss his third consecutive game with a sprained right ankle Saturday when the Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bosh's 30 lift Heat to 6-0 without Wade (AP)

Chris Bosh and LeBron James are allowing Dwyane Wade to simply focus on recovery. Bosh scored 30 points, James added 28 points and nine rebounds and the Miami Heat remained unbeaten without Wade in the lineup this season, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 113-92 on Saturday night. Mario Chalmers scored 11 for Miami, which outrebounded Philadelphia 52-31 and moved into a tie with Orlando for first in...

Wade sits out as Bosh, Heat cruise past 76ers
Chris Bosh scored 30 points, LeBron James added 28 points and nine rebounds and the Miami Heat remained unbeaten without Dwyane Wade in the lineup this season, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 113-92 on Saturday night.

Wade game-time decision; practices with Heat
Dwyane Wade practiced with the Miami Heat on Friday after missing the last week with a sprained right ankle. He is questionable for Saturday night's home game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

With Lakers on tap, LeBron skips shootaround
LeBron James was sent home from the Heat's shootaround with flulike symptoms. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said James will be a game-time decision Thursday night against the Lakers.

Flu-ridden James leads Heat over Lakers (AP)

LeBron James was sitting at his locker after the game, a bottle of cold medicine at his side. The Los Angeles Lakers would be hard-pressed to believe it was needed. James shook off flu-like symptoms to put up 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists -- hours after being told to stay away from the team's shootaround practice after calling in with a cough and chest congestion -- and the Miami...

Lakers face tough back-to-back in Florida
What awaits Lakers in Miami, Orlando?

James sent home from Heat shootaround
Heat forward LeBron James was sent home from the team's shootaround practice Thursday morning because of illness, and is a game-time decision for Miami's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron shakes off illness to get Heat by Lakers
LeBron James shook off flu-like symptoms to score 31 points, Chris Bosh scored 15 and the Miami Heat won their second straight, topping the Los Angeles Lakers 98-87 on Thursday night.

Slim Curry makes long-awaited Heat debut (AP)
Eddy Curry is back on an NBA floor. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2001 draft made his Miami Heat debut Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers, 764 days after his most-recent NBA appearance. Curry checked in with 2:20 left in the first quarter. Curry had not played since Dec. 17, 2009 for New York against Chicago.

LeBron goes home sick but plays vs. Lakers
LeBron James was sent home from the Heat's shootaround with flulike symptoms but played Thursday night against the Lakers.

Heat clash with Lakers in Miami
Kobe and LeBron having great seasons, but who's better now?

LeBron goes home sick but will play vs. Lakers
LeBron James was sent home from the Heat's shootaround with flulike symptoms but will play Thursday night against the Lakers.

LeBron lead Heat's beating of Lakers
LeBron gets better of Kobe in Miami win.

Wade will be a spectator only as Heat face Spurs
Miami Heat will face Spurs without Dwyane Wade, who has a sprained ankle.

Wade ruled out vs. Spurs, but Miller's available
Dwyane Wade will sit out the Miami Heat's game Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs as he battles several leg injuries.

Heat utilize 39-point 3rd quarter to spurn Spurs
LeBron James scored 33 points, Chris Bosh added 30 and the Miami Heat used a historic third-quarter turnaround to erase a big deficit and beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game slide.

Heat dominate 3rd quarter to beat Spurs (AP)

LeBron James scored 33 points, Chris Bosh added 30 and the Miami Heat used a historic third-quarter turnaround to erase a big deficit and beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game slide. Miami outscored San Antonio 39-12 in the third quarter -- the second-largest differential for any quarter in Heat history, and the second-worst differential for a period in Spurs...

LeBron, Heat snap three-game skid
LeBron James scored 33 points, Chris Bosh added 30 and the Miami Heat used a historic third-quarter turnaround to erase a big deficit and beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game slide.

Heat unsure about injured Wade's status
The Miami Heat are not sure if guard Dwyane Wade will be able to play Tuesday against San Antonio because of a sprained right ankle.

Heat unsure of Wade's status as injuries pile up
The Miami Heat aren't certain how long a sprained right ankle will sideline guard Dwyane Wade, but the team is preparing as if he won't be available for the start of this week's pivotal homestand.

Miami Heat stumble against Denver Nuggets, lose third straight
Heat road trip ends ugly in Denver with third straight loss.

Heat lose third straight, Wade injured (AP)

The Denver Nuggets pressed the pace and then turned it up a notch in the fourth quarter. And the Miami Heat couldn't keep up, especially once Dwyane Wade was injured. Ty Lawson scored 24 points in his return to the lineup, and the Nuggets sent the Heat to their third straight loss with a 117-104 victory on Friday night.

Gallinari talks about big win over Miami Heat


Heat fall to Nuggets despite LeBron's 35 points
Ty Lawson returned from a sprained right foot to score 24 points, and the Denver Nuggets sent the Miami Heat to their third straight loss with a 117-104 victory on Friday night.

LeBron: I can relate to pressures facing Tebow
LeBron James and Tim Tebow have vastly different backgrounds and play different sports, but James said Friday that he can relate to the high-profile Broncos quarterback.

Clips hand Heat second straight OT loss (AP)

Chris Paul had 27 points and 11 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat Miami 95-89 in overtime Wednesday night, dealing the Heat a second straight extra-time loss. Blake Griffin had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Caron Butler added 20 points, and Chauncey Billups had 12 for the Clippers, 9-2 against Miami at home since 2001-02.

Clippers rally, deal Heat 2nd straight OT loss
Chris Paul had 27 points and 11 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat Miami 95-89 in overtime Wednesday night, dealing the Heat a second straight extra-time loss.

Warriors win in OT, spoil Wade's return (AP)

Dorell Wright scored 20 points and made a season-high six 3-pointers, including a tying shot late in regulation, and the short-handed Golden State Warriors spoiled Dwyane Wade's return with a 111-106 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. The former Miami forward also converted a go-ahead 3-pointer in the extra period, ending Golden State's five-game losing streak and...

Wade returns, but Heat fall to Warriors in OT
Dorell Wright scored 20 points and made a season-high six 3-pointers, including a tying shot late in regulation, and the short-handed Golden State Warriors spoiled Dwyane Wade's return with a 111-106 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

Heat's Wade back in starting lineup vs. Warriors
Dwyane Wade will return to the Miami Heat starting lineup tonight after missing three games with a sore left foot.

Warriors beat Heat in OT
Dorell Wright scored 20 points and made a season-high six 3-pointers, including a tying shot late in regulation, and the short-handed Golden State Warriors spoiled Dwyane Wade's return with a 111-106 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

Wade takes part in shootaround, hoping to play
Dwyane Wade took part in the Heat's morning shootaround and is hoping to return from a three-game absence against the Warriors Tuesday night.

Obama praises Mavericks in White House fete
President Barack Obama is hailing the Dallas Mavericks at the White House seven months after they beat the Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

Heat's Wade remains day to day with foot injury
After a week of rest Dwyane Wade has still not been cleared by the Miami Heat's training staff to return to the floor. Both he and the team still aren't completely certain what is causing him so much discomfort in his left foot.

Obama welcomes Mavs to White House
President Barack Obama is hailing the Dallas Mavericks at the White House seven months after they beat the Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

Obama praises Mavericks in White House fete
President Barack Obama saluted Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday as NBA champions who staged a season-ending charge to beat LeBron James and the vaunted Miami Heat and claim their first title with a "heart that's the size of Texas."

James shines in return as Heat beat Nets (AP)

LeBron James returned to the lineup and scored 22 of his 32 points in the first quarter, and the Miami Heat rolled to a 101-90 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night despite playing without Dwyane Wade. Wade missed his third straight game with a bruised left foot, but James had the game under control by the time his All-Star teammate arrived at his seat on the bench.

Heat goes up early, hold on to beat Nets
LeBron James returned to the lineup and scored 22 of his 32 points in the first quarter, and the Miami Heat rolled to a 101-90 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night despite playing without Dwyane Wade.

LeBron starts vs. Nets, but Heat's Wade still out
LeBron James is back in the starting lineup for the Miami Heat, but Dwyane Wade is missing his third straight game against the New Jersey Nets.

Nets without Okur, James for game against Heat
Nets center Mehmet Okur and small forward Damion James will miss Saturday night's game against the Heat, coach Avery Johnson said.



Hawks go to OT again, get past Bobcats (AP)

Josh Smith knew playing three games in three days would be tough. He didn't imagine it would be like this. The Atlanta Hawks went to overtime for a second straight night, pulling out a 102-96 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday behind Smith's 23 points and 13 rebounds. The Hawks lost in triple-overtime to the Miami Heat the night before, but made sure multiple extra periods...

Miami Heat beat Atlanta Hawks, and Chris Bosh does it without LeBron James or Dwyane Wade
And Miami reminds it can gut out wins even without LeBron, Wade.

Bosh, Heat outlast Hawks in triple overtime
Chris Bosh scored 33 points and the Miami Heat, playing without injured stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, beat the Atlanta Hawks 116-109 in triple overtime on Thursday night.

Heat beat Hawks in 3OT minus James, Wade (AP)

Chris Bosh scored 33 points and the Miami Heat, playing without injured stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, beat the Atlanta Hawks 116-109 in triple-overtime on Thursday night. Mario Chalmers had 22 of his 29 points after the third quarter for the Heat, including five in the third overtime. Wade missed his second straight game with a sore left foot and James was held out after he turned his left...

Heat's James, Wade both sit out against Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were held out of Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Heat's James, Wade not in lineup vs. Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Heat's James, Wade not starting at Hawks (AP)
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade, who has a sore left foot, is "a little bit more unlikely" than James to play against the Hawks.

LeBron, Wade not starting against Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Heat outlast Hawks in 3OT
With LeBron and Wade out, Bosh carries Miami to win.

Wade's foot injury might sideline him vs. Pacers
Dwyane Wade missed the Miami Heat's shootaround Wednesday morning because of lingering effects from a left foot contusion he suffered a week ago. He will be a game-time decision for Wednesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers.

James helps Wade-less Heat rout Pacers (AP)

The Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade on Wednesday night. LeBron James had a lot to do with that. Now, the Heat can only hope both superstars won't be on the bench Thursday in Atlanta. James had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh added 22 points and Miami routed the Indiana Pacers 118-83 on Wednesday even without Wade.

LeBron, Heat don't need Wade to slam Pacers
LeBron James had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh added 22 points and the Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade in a 118-83 rout of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Waiver Wire: Cole heating up for Week 3
Miami rookie point guard Norris Cole has been a breath of fresh air off the bench. Our Ed Gauna says pick him while he's still available in his look at the waiver wire.




Heat's Wade out against Pacers with foot injury
Heat guard Dwyane Wade sat out Miami's game against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night because of the lingering effects from a left foot contusion he suffered one week ago.

LeBron's 33 lead Heat past Pacers
LeBron James had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh added 22 points and the Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade in a 118-83 rout of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Hawks' late run ends Heat's perfect start
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night.

Heat suffer first loss, 100-92 to Hawks (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night. McGrady and Al Horford each scored 16 for the Hawks (4-1), who opened the final period on a 15-3 run to take control.

Hawks run away from Heat in fourth
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night.

Wade seeing benefits from diet change (AP)
Dwyane Wade was sitting on a table in the Miami Heat training room about an hour before game time Sunday, doing something he never would have envisioned a few years ago. In his lap: Small servings of pasta and fruit. "When it comes to food," Wade said, "I understand the things that I need now." Wade turns 30 later this month, and in his ninth pro season nutrition is as important...

Heat's Wade changes diet, sees benefits
Dwyane Wade was sitting on a table in the Miami Heat training room about an hour before game time Sunday, doing something he never would have envisioned a few years ago.

Bosh, Wade help James propose, defeat Bobcats
Miami Heat's Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade help teammate Lebron James propose to Savannah Brinson, defeat Charlotte Bobcats.

LeBron, longtime girlfriend Brinson get engaged
LeBron James and longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson are engaged.

James, girlfriend Brinson engaged (AP)

LeBron James and longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson are engaged. A representative for James confirmed the news to The Associated Press on Sunday morning, a few hours after close friend Chris Paul and Miami Heat owner Micky Arison were among those tweeting their congratulations. The Miami Heat forward popped the question to his high school sweetheart on Saturday night, doing so at a party to...

Heat start 5-0 for first time after rout (AP)
Chris Bosh scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half, and the Miami Heat improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history by rolling past the Charlotte Bobcats 129-90 on Sunday night. The 129 points is the most scored by any NBA team so far this season and the 39-point victory margin matched the third-largest in Heat history.

Heat 5-0, explode for 129 points in win
Chris Bosh scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half, and the Miami Heat improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history by rolling past the Charlotte Bobcats 129-90 on Sunday night.

Bosh, Heat stay perfect after trouncing Bobcats
Chris Bosh scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half, and the Miami Heat improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history by rolling past the Charlotte Bobcats 129-90 on Sunday night.

Wade, Heat hold off scrappy Timberwolves
Dwyane Wade hit a jumper from the wing, then scored on an inbounds pass from LeBron James with 4.6 seconds to play to lift the undefeated Miami Heat to a 103-101 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Heat's Wade (foot) in starting lineup vs. Wolves
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade was in the starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night after being considered a game-time decision with a sore left foot.

LeBron plays Wolves on 27th birthday (AP)
LeBron James turned a ripe old 27 on Friday, and the Miami Heat star says he always plays with a little extra juice on his birthday. That could be bad news for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The undefeated Heat play at Target Center in chilly Minnesota in the fifth time in James' nine seasons that he has played on his birthday.

Wade (foot) a game-time decision vs. Wolves
Miami Heat star guard Dwyane Wade says he will wait until game time to see if his sore left foot will allow him to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wade game-time decision with sore foot (AP)
Miami Heat star guard Dwyane Wade says he will wait until game time to see if his sore left foot will allow him to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wade tested his foot with a thorough workout at the team's shootaround Friday morning. He tried jumping off it and landing on it on several drives to the basket to see if it was ready for the pounding of a game.

NBA: Wade didn't travel on game-winning shot
The NBA says Miami's Dwyane Wade did not travel before his shot that beat Charlotte on Wednesday night.

Thorpe: First impressions of rookie class
Here's how some of the top members of the rookie class looked in their NBA debuts

Wade's late hoop gets Heat past Bobcats (AP)

When Dwyane Wade was told he was going to take the winning shot against the Charlotte Bobcats, he nearly deferred to the hotter LeBron James. Then Wade thought better of it. "When (coach Erik Spoelstra) called it, I was shocked because this guy had it going on," Wade said, pointing to James.

Wade stops Bobcats with 2.9 left as Heat hit 3-0
Dwyane Wade hit a bank shot over Gerald Henderson with 2.9 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat to a 96-95 victory over the pesky Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday and remain unbeaten.

Bobcats' Augustin to play vs. Heat; Thomas out
Bobcats coach Paul Silas says D.J. Augustin will start at point guard Wednesday night, but the team will be without forward Tyrus Thomas.

Wade hits winner as Heat edge Bobcats
Dwyane Wade hit a bank shot over Gerald Henderson with 2.9 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat to a 96-95 victory over the pesky Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday and remain unbeaten.

C's Pierce improving, but doubtful vs. Heat
Paul Pierce (sore heel) is doubtful for Tuesday night's game against the Heat, says Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Heat nearly blow big lead, beat Celtics (AP)

LeBron James scored 26 points, rookie point guard Norris Cole came up with 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and the Miami Heat nearly blew a 20-point lead before beating the Boston Celtics 115-107 on Tuesday night. Dwyane Wade finished with 24 points and eight assists for Miami, which got 18 from Chris Bosh and twice saw its lead cut to three in the final minutes.

LeBron, Heat host Celtics
Second game for Miami another playoff rematch.

Cole steps up late, holds off Celtics
Miami drops Boston, topples back-to-back NBA powers.

Bobcats' Augustin expects to play against Heat
Bobcats point guard D.J. Augustin expects to play Wednesday night against the Heat.

Stein: Heat, Mavs swap identities
Five years after Miami's title hangover, champion Mavs now look sluggish, Heat hungry

Gametrax: Heat-Mavericks
Defending champion Dallas hosts LeBron, Miami.

Injured Pierce to miss opener vs. Knicks (AP)

Boston forward Paul Pierce missed the NBA season opener at New York because of a bruised right heel, and the Celtics hope he can return Tuesday when they visit Miami. Sasha Pavlovic started at forward for the Celtics on Sunday. Coach Doc Rivers says Pierce did little during a light practice Saturday, making it an easy decision to sideline the All-Star.

LeBron, Heat blister Mavericks in Finals rematch
LeBron James had 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Miami Heat got a measure of payback for the NBA finals by opening this season with a 105-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks that wasn't as close as the score suggests.

Heat roll past Mavs in finals rematch (AP)

LeBron James and the Miami Heat couldn't keep the Dallas Mavericks from winning the most recent NBA championship. They did a nice job, however, of getting the Mavs' title defense off to an ugly start. James had 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Heat beat the Mavericks 105-94 Sunday in a game that was hardly ever as close as the final score might suggest.

LeBron carries Heat past Mavericks
Easy does it for LeBron, Miami as defending champs get played.

Mavs raise banner before facing Heat (AP)
With a tug from Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and others, the Dallas Mavericks unveiled their championship banner minutes before opening this season against the team they knocked off in the NBA finals -- LeBron James and the Miami Heat. The ceremony was supposed to have been held Nov. 1, but the lockout pushed it back.

Harris, Gladness make Heat's roster
Mickell Gladness and Terrel Harris thought they were competing against each other for the last spot on the Miami Heat roster.

Heat keep guard Terrel Harris on the roster - Terrel Harris (G) Miami Heat
The Heat have kept guard Terrel Harris on their regular-season roster.

Heat cut House, keep rookies Harris, Gladness
The Miami Heat have waived veteran guard Eddie House, clearing the way for rookies Terrel Harris and Mickell Gladness to make the opening-day roster.

Heat waive veteran G House (AP)
The Miami Heat have waived veteran guard Eddie House, clearing the way for rookies Terrel Harris and Mickell Gladness to make the opening-day roster. Harris and Gladness said they were not sure of their fates until arriving for practice Saturday morning. Harris shot 50 percent in Miami's two preseason games, including a team-best four 3-pointers.

Wade, James: Friendship even stronger (AP)
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are known to bicker like brothers. They screamed at one another more than once during Miami Heat playoff games last season. And when they're on opposite teams in practice, they attack the other like they would any opponent. Now they're closer than ever. And on the cusp of entering Year 2 together with the Heat, Wade and James opened up about their friendship...

Battier a game-time decision for Heat in opener
The Miami Heat have ruled out injured center Eddy Curry for Sunday's season opener and will make a game-time decision on forward Shane Battier's status against the Dallas Mavericks.

Heat owner Arison cast vote against new CBA
Heat owner Micky Arison is revealing that he cast a ballot against passing the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement.

Down 14 at half, Magic rally to top Heat (AP)

Glen Davis had 18 points, Dwight Howard and Jason Richardson each added 15 and the Orlando Magic overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to beat the Miami Heat 104-100 on Wednesday night in the preseason finale for both teams. Davis had a 13-point third quarter to help ignite the comeback and Orlando got a late lift from its reserves to secure the win, including strong fourth-quarter efforts by...

Davis, Magic rally past Heat in preseason finale
Glen Davis had 18 points, Dwight Howard and Jason Richardson each added 15 and the Orlando Magic overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to beat the Miami Heat 104-100 on Wednesday night in the preseason finale for both teams.

Heat squander big lead to Magic
Glen Davis had 18 points, Dwight Howard and Jason Richardson each added 15 and the Orlando Magic overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to beat the Miami Heat 104-100 on Wednesday night in the preseason finale for both teams.

Paul's Clippers debut sets ratings mark (AP)
Chris Paul's debut with the Los Angeles Clippers was the most-watched preseason game in NBA TV history. The Clippers' 114-95 victory over the Lakers on Monday night drew 509,000 viewers, a network spokesman said Tuesday. The previous record of 501,000 viewers came in another celebrated debut, when the Miami Heat beat Detroit on Oct.

Battier, Curry to miss Heat's preseason finale
Shane Battier and center Eddy Curry are expected to miss Wednesday's final preseason tuneup against the Magic as they continue to recover from injuries that have sidelined them during training camp.

Heat end Magic's 22-game preseason run (AP)

Once the Miami Heat started running away from the Orlando Magic, they simply did not stop. LeBron James scored 19 points, roster hopeful Terrel Harris added 16 and the Heat outscored the Magic by 29 points over the game's final 27 minutes, cruising to a 118-85 win in the preseason opener for both teams.

Heat torch Magic in preseason opener
Once the Miami Heat started running away from the Orlando Magic, they simply did not stop.

Heat hand Magic first preseason loss since 2008
LeBron James scored 19 points and the Miami Heat got their preseason off to an easy start, running away to beat the Orlando Magic 118-85 on Sunday night.

Magic's Howard feels love from fans
The Orlando Magic open preseason play Sunday in Miami, but their fan base is already trying to show Dwight Howard how much they don't want him to leave town.

Heat coach Spoelstra gets contract extension
Heat president Pat Riley says coach Erik Spoelstra has received a new contract from the team.

Rookie PG Cole shines in Heat scrimmage (AP)
LeBron James was the first one on the floor, swishing the first shot he took. Dwyane Wade arrived with a candy cane behind his right ear. Chris Bosh gestured to the fans with his usual intensity. Miami's stars gave fans what they wanted Thursday night. But a Heat rookie might have provided the biggest surprise.

Heat host scrimmage for season ticket holders
For the first time in six months, the Miami Heat returned to the floor of their arena on Thursday night.

Curry: Injury won't keep me from making Heat
Injured Heat center Eddy Curry said Wednesday he doesn't believe a hip injury that has sidelined him for all but one full training camp practice is serious enough to jeopardize his chances of making the regular-season roster.

Heat would welcome Billups to Miami


Heat's Big 3: '11-12 'nothing close' to last year
A season ago, things seemed much different for the Miami Heat. In South Florida, the team was celebrated before ever playing a game. In every other NBA market, the Heat was maligned, again before ever playing a game.

Knicks sign Bibby to one-year deal
Despite his wretched stint in Miami last season, the Knicks will roll the dice on point guard Mike Bibby.

Battier, Curry join Heat for practice (AP)
Shane Battier and Eddy Curry were separated by two picks in the 2001 NBA draft. On Saturday, there was a moment when they weren't separated by anything. The scene: First Miami Heat practice of the season, first day with the team job for both men. Curry sets a screen, and Battier comes crashing into him.

Slimmed-down Curry targets revival with Heat
Eddy Curry insists he's lost about 70 pounds and, in the process, has gained a much better perspective of the opportunity he has to revive his career with the Miami Heat.

Chalmers, Heat agree; slated to be at practice
Mario Chalmers will remain with the Heat. Chalmers and the Heat reached an agreement on a contract Friday morning, Chalmers' agent Sam Goldfeder told ESPN.com.

Heat's Spoelstra says contract isn't a distraction
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Friday that his tenuous contract status should distraction as Miami enters a season filled with championship-or-bust expectations.

Chalmers at Heat workout, still decided on team
Heat free agent Mario Chalmers made his first appearance at team workouts on Thursday, but he hasn't made a decision yet on where he would sign.

Sources: Curry to get another chance with Heat
The Miami Heat will sign Eddy Curry on Friday in time for training camp, sources told ESPN.com.

Veteran Battier says he plans to sign with Heat
Needing to upgrade their bench, the Miami Heat have landed a significant addition in veteran Shane Battier.

Battier says he'll sign deal with Heat (AP)
Shane Battier said at this point in his career, he only wants "a winning role." He figures his best chance of that is with the Miami Heat. Battier said Thursday morning that he would sign with the Eastern Conference champion Heat, the club that let him know as soon as the free-agency shopping window formally opened this week that he was their top signing priority -- even though it has...

Veteran Battier says he plans to sign with Heat
Needing to upgrade their bench, the Miami Heat have landed a significant addition in veteran Shane Battier.

Battier comes to Miami at the right price
Battier is nice addition for Heat at right price.

Heat, Mavs to play plenty on national TV early
Thanks to the NBA lockout, the Heat had some extra time to think about the championship rings that got away when they lost to the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. They won't have much more time to dwell on it once the season starts.

Heat's Miller hopeful he'll remain in Miami
Mike Miller says he has spoken with Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra about his future, which he believes is "pretty secure" in Miami.

Dalembert says Heat may not have enough to offer
Sam Dalembert is interested in the Heat. But he's not sure Miami can afford him.

Oden drawing interest from Heat, sources say
The Miami Heat are considering making a run at restricted free agent Greg Oden, league sources said.

Heat to play Christmas opener in Dallas (AP)
For the first time since the shortened 1998-99 season, the NBA finalists from one season will open the following season against one another. Heat forwards Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem appreciate the irony. The NBA has made it official -- again -- saying Friday that Miami will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day, only this time in the season-opener for both clubs.

Bosh: Seeing Mavs raise banner 'going to suck'
While Heat forward Chris Bosh is looking forward to finally getting the season underway, the Dallas native didn't mince words when it came to the prospect of watching the Mavericks raise their championship banner in front of their home crowd.

Mavericks won't receive rings on opening night
The Dallas Mavericks will raise their banner on opening day, but they won't get to flash any championship bling in front of their Christmas Day opponent and NBA Finals victim, the Miami Heat.

Miller may be done in Miami after surgery
The Heat may decide to cut injury-prone Mike Miller after his latest surgery.

Heat's Miller sidelined following hernia surgery
Mike Miller is expected to miss at least a month after undergoing hernia surgery Tuesday.

Miami Heat's LeBron James beats Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant in flag football showdown
Miami Heat's LeBron James beats Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant in flag football showdown.

Heat ready to start shopping (AP)
With the season starting on Christmas, the Miami Heat are getting ready to shop. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are still under contract, meaning the core remains intact. Mario Chalmers is a restricted free agent, though he clearly has an eye on being back in Miami, and rookie point guard Norris Cole figures to contend for some rotation time.

NBA owners' concessions benefit Heat, F Miller
This may not be welcome news in certain circles, but it appears the Miami Heat ended up being winners in the 11th hour system changes the owners made to get the players to finally agree on the framework of a collective bargaining agreement.

LeBron, Wade, Melo, Paul to lead 4-game tour
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, an All-Star group is set to lead a four-game "Homecoming Tour," starting with a matchup in LeBron James' hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1.

NBA stars to lead 4-game Homecoming Tour (AP)

LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home -- and bringing friends with them. With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game "Homecoming Tour," starting with a matchup in James' hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec.

NBA stars to play in Obama fundraiser (AP)
President Barack Obama's re-election campaign is bringing together more than two dozen NBA stars for a fundraising basketball game next month. Obama's campaign says Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and many others will headline the "Obama Classic Basketball Game" on Dec.

Wade willing to consider overseas if no NBA
Dwyane Wade says he can still hope for NBA games by Christmas. He also knows there's a slim chance of that wish coming true.

Bulls unbeaten so far in our NBA season simulation
Chicago's off to a great start. Miami, not so much, in our 2011-12 season simulation.

Heat's Bosh says it's 'weird' to not be playing
Chris Bosh watched basketball Tuesday night. For now, it's the best option he has.

Heat's Bosh won't eye overseas until no season
Chris Bosh watched basketball Tuesday night. For now, it's the best option he has.

Heat, Riley host Veterans Day clinic for military
Pat Riley spent part of his Veterans Day on the basketball court.

Wade seeks 'edge' via full battery of tests at lab
Dwyane Wade's body is spent. He's in absolute agony. He's gritting his teeth and taking huge gasps of air as the clock is ticking down, all while people surround and implore him to keep going all the way to the finish.

Shaq sues ex-IT worker over sold emails (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal is suing a former information technology employee the former NBA great claims invaded his privacy by selling personal emails that damaged his reputation. The lawsuit was filed against Shawn Darling in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. It seeks an injunction barring Darling from providing O'Neal's emails to anyone, unspecified damages and the return of all O'Neal's...

Instead of playing Magic, Spoelstra visits school
Erik Spoelstra went to a social media class, scribbled his signature on the back of a few shirts, shook outstretched hands and happily posed for photographs.

Sources: NBA fines Heat owner $500K for tweet
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has been fined by the NBA, three days after he made references to the locked-out league's ongoing collective bargaining process on his Twitter account.

NBA fines Heat owner for tweet on labor talks
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has been fined by the NBA, three days after he made references to the locked-out league's ongoing collective bargaining process on his Twitter account.

NBA fines Heat owner Arison for tweets (AP)
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has been fined by the NBA, three days after he made references to the locked-out league's ongoing collective bargaining process on his Twitter account. The NBA did not disclose the amount of the fine, or say publicly why Arison was sanctioned. Arison posted several tweets Friday night, including a reply to someone who referred to those involved with the lockout as...

Heat owner Arison fined by NBA
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has been fined by the NBA, three days after he made references to the locked-out league's ongoing collective bargaining process on his Twitter account.

Report: LeBron won't play in World Tour
Miami Heat superstar LeBron James will not play in the upcoming NBA World Tour due to prior commitments, the Sun-Sentinel reported Wednesday.

James to attend Liverpool-Man U game (AP)
LeBron James took his talents to Liverpool on Friday -- and finally got his hands on a championship trophy. The Miami Heat star toured the Premier League club's facilities for the first time since becoming a shareholder of the 18-time English champions. James held up the Champions League trophy won by Liverpool in 2005 and posted a picture on Twitter of a red No.

Heat's Wade says NBA parity is 'unrealistic' idea
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade says it's "unrealistic" to think every NBA team will be competitive every season.

Wade pessimistic about labor impasse (AP)
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade says it's "unrealistic" to think every NBA team will be competitive every season. In an interview with The Associated Press, Wade says San Antonio's four championships since 1999 prove teams from small markets can win titles if managed correctly. Wade also says the longer the lockout goes on, "the more fans we're going to lose." Wade...

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler mulling return to Miami Heat
Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler mulling return to Miami Heat.

Anthony expects league to cancel games (AP)
Carmelo Anthony does not believe anything significant will happen in the NBA labor dispute before Monday and is expecting the league to cancel regular-season games. The New York Knicks forward played in the South Florida All-Star Classic hosted by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami on Saturday night.

James' latest sneaker inspired by USAF (AP)
A design for LeBron James' latest signature sneaker was inspired by the U.S. Air Force. Nike calls it "The Cannon" edition of the LeBron 9. The military-green theme is a nod to the Miami Heat having their first training camp since James joined the team last season at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base.

Game hosted by Heat stars will be on local TV
In a move that will separate "The South Florida All-Star Classic" from the other barnstorming games that have taken place during the NBA lockout, the contest will be televised locally on CBS, according to sources close to the situation.

Barea, Arroyo join Puerto Rico's PanAm roster
Dallas Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea and Miami Heat point guard Carlos Arroyo will play for Puerto Rico at this month's Pan American Games.

Sources: Heat-hosted game will be on local TV
In a move that will separate "The South Florida All-Star Classic" from the other barnstorming games that have taken place during the NBA lockout, the contest will be televised locally on CBS, according to sources close to the situation.

Barea on Puerto Rico's Pan Am squad (AP)
Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea and Miami Heat point guard Carlos Arroyo will play for Puerto Rico at this month's Pan American Games. The vice president of Puerto Rico's Basketball Federation says the two players will start practicing with the national team next week. Ricardo Carrillo tells The Associated Press that Daniel Santiago also will join the team Friday.

Quick sellout for game with NBA stars
For the past year, Angel Rosado cheered for what LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were doing with the Miami Heat.

Tickets sell out in 2 hours for NBA stars in Miami
For the past year, Angel Rosado cheered for what LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were doing with the Miami Heat.

Heat center Ilgauskas retires after 13 seasons
A succession of foot surgeries nearly brought a premature end to Zydrunas Ilgauskas' basketball career. On Friday, he announced his departure from the game on his own terms.

Charity game with James, Wade, Bosh set (AP)
The idea was hatched a couple weeks ago when LeBron James was among a small group reaching out to Isiah Thomas about the possibility of hosting a star-studded charity game at Florida International as a way to connect with fans during the NBA lockout. A deal was soon struck, and at least for one night, the NBA -- along with the biggest Heat stars -- will play again in Miami.

Heat's Big Three set for charity game at FIU
The idea was hatched a couple weeks ago when LeBron James was among a small group reaching out to Isiah Thomas about the possibility of hosting a star-studded charity game at Florida International as a way to connect with fans during the NBA lockout.

James, Wade, Bosh to host charity game (AP)
Miami Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are planning to host about 20 NBA players for a charity game on Oct. 8. Details are still being finalized and an official announcement is expected Wednesday. The game is being planned for Florida International, where Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas is a coach.

Sources: Heat's Big Three to host charity game
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will come together next week to host and play in "The South Florida Celebrity Classic," according to sources close to the project.

Heat stars set to play in charity game
Miami Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are planning to host about 20 NBA players for a charity game on Oct. 8.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America honor LeBron
LeBron James of the Miami Heat has received the "Champion of Youth" award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

James honored by Boys & Girls Clubs (AP)
LeBron James of the Miami Heat has received the "Champion of Youth" award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The award was presented to James by actor Denzel Washington, the club's national spokesman. The award recognizes the relationship that the two-time NBA MVP has had with clubs across the country for the past several years.

Boys & Girls Clubs honor LeBron
LeBron James of the Miami Heat has received the ''Champion of Youth'' award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Laettner found not in contempt of court - Christian Laettner (F/C) Miami Heat
A judge in Washington D.C. has ruled that Christian Laettner and Brian Davis are not in contempt of court for their failure to repay creditors, but they have two weeks to disclose their assets and liabilities.

Heat PF Haslem says season won't be cancelled
Udonis Haslem hopes to be healthy enough to play soon.

Bosh says he's ready for workouts
Chris Bosh expects the Miami Heat to get together to start preparing for a new season in the coming weeks, regardless of the NBA's lockout status.

What lockout? Bosh expects Heat workouts soon
Chris Bosh enjoyed just about every second of his jampacked offseason.

Wade: Heat 'set a trend' by teaming All-Stars
Love or hate the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade knows that he and teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh set a trend that the rest of the NBA will follow for years.

Wade: Bulls 1 player from annual contender
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade said Thursday that while the Chicago Bulls are a great team, they still may be one player from being a championship contender every season.

Carlisle finally watches Mavs' clincher (AP)
Rick Carlisle threw a strike after finally getting a chance to watch in detail the Dallas Mavericks' NBA championship-clinching victory over the Miami Heat. The Mavericks coach threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers game on Tuesday night. Earlier in the day, he finished watching Game 6 of the NBA Finals -- more than 10 weeks after Dallas won its first NBA championship.

Wade returns to court - for fantasy camp (AP)
Dwyane Wade has the basketball on the wing. Tom Crean is setting up a play. Scattered around the court are a number of players, many nodding in unison. No, this wasn't Marquette, circa 2003. Welcome to the inaugural Dwyane Wade Fantasy Camp, where 100 or so men between the ages of 35 to 68 are spending four days with Wade, Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, Miami Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga, Florida...

Youth center named for LeBron opens in Akron
LeBron James has cut the ribbon to open a clubhouse for children in Ohio named for him.

Wade 'absolutely' willing to field Chinese offers
Dwyane Wade's agent said Friday his client has received no offers nor has had any discussions with professional teams from China, but he wouldn't rule out the possibility of that scenario changing.

Wade 'absolutely' willing to field Chinese offers
Dwyane Wade's agent said Friday his client has received no offers nor has had any discussions with professional teams from China, but he wouldn't rule out the possibility of that scenario changing.

Mourning cited for leaving scene of traffic crash
Former NBA star Alonzo Mourning is being cited by police for leaving the scene of a traffic crash in Miami Beach last week.

Mourning cited for leaving crash scene
Former NBA star Alonzo Mourning is being cited by police for leaving the scene of a traffic crash in Miami Beach last week.

Nowitzki to play for Germany at Euros (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki says he will play for Germany at the upcoming European Championship when Olympic berths will be at stake. The Dallas Mavericks forward says the break after the NBA finals was brief, but he'd "like to help the young German team have success." Nowitzki led the Mavericks to the NBA championship over the Miami Heat and was named the series MVP.

Arison takes over as CEO of Heat
Nick Arison is the new CEO of the Miami Heat. The team announced the move Friday. Micky Arison remains the managing general partner of the Heat, and his 30-year-old son had been long expected to eventually take over the franchise.

Nick Arison takes over as Heat CEO (AP)
Nick Arison's first job with the Miami Heat was as a team attendant, 16 years ago. His rise to atop the franchise is now complete. The 30-year-old son of Heat owner Micky Arison is now the team's chief executive officer, a newly created position that gives him day-to-day control of the franchise.

Heat announce Nick Arison as team's new CEO
Nick Arison is the new CEO of the Miami Heat.

Former Heat star Mourning sued over car crash
Former Heat star Alonzo Mourning was sued over a weekend traffic crash in Florida that raised questions about whether he improperly left the scene.

Mourning sued over traffic accident (AP)
Former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning was sued Wednesday over a weekend traffic crash in Florida that raised questions about whether he improperly left the scene. The lawsuit seeking unspecified damages was filed on behalf of 21-year-old William Candelario, who suffered head injuries in the rollover crash early Sunday near Miami Beach.

Bosh bash? Shaq likens Heat stars to just 'Big 2'
Shaquille O'Neal's debut as a full-fledged NBA analyst had him raving about LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Report: Lockout held for Bosh's wedding
The lavish wedding of Miami Heat giant Chris Bosh and petite beauty Adrienne Williams prompted a brief lifting of the NBA lockout as he and his fellow players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, partied along with team executives, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Heat's Jones trying to be realistic during lockout
A month or so removed from being part of Miami's run to the NBA finals, James Jones already has been in the gym to begin the process of getting ready for next season.

Wade undecided on Team USA for 2012 Games
Dwyane Wade is revisiting the site of his 2008 Olympic triumph later this summer. Whether he'll be going with the U.S. to the London Games remains unclear.

Wade staying busy in whirlwind summer
Standing before hundreds of children at his basketball camp Wednesday, Dwyane Wade got plenty of tough questions. About playing with LeBron James this past season with the Miami Heat and their trip to the NBA finals. About his actress girlfriend, Gabrielle Union. About what it takes to be a great basketball player.

KFC to give to charity in Wade's name (AP)
KFC seems to be checking Dwyane Wade's posts on Twitter. The fried chicken chain says it will make donation to its own scholarship fund in the Miami Heat guard's name -- if he serves as an honorary captain at a drive-thru window. A company spokeswoman says the donation offer is $250,000. KFC says it made the offer in response to one of Wade's tweets when the NBA lockout began, in which...

Celtics make F Green qualifying offer (AP)

The Boston Celtics have made a qualifying offer to forward Jeff Green, making him a restricted free agent. Also Thursday, the team exercised its option on guard Avery Bradley for the 2012-13 season. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. Green averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds with the Celtics last season after coming to Boston in the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City.

G House exercises option, will remain with Heat
Miami Heat reserve guard Eddie House has decided to exercise the option clause in his contract, and he'll be back with the team next season.

Report: Heat's Jones to enter free agency
A person familiar with the situation says Miami Heat guard-forward James Jones has advised the team he won't exercise his player option and will become a free agent.

Heat pick Cole: I ignore trash talk about LeBron
Cleveland State guard Norris Cole says fans there are happy he was taken in the first round of the NBA draft, even if he's joining the despised Miami Heat.

Riley looking to make Heat younger and faster
During a Friday conference call with the media, Pat Riley said that the Miami Heat's draft selection of speedy point guard Norris Cole is part of the organization's offseason strategy to get younger and faster heading into next season.

Heat's Riley happy with selection of Cole in draft
Less than two weeks after losing the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat made their first addition to their 2011-12 roster by selecting Cleveland State point guard Norris Cole with the 28th pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

Pippen clarifies remarks: MJ is greatest ever
Scottie Pippen said Friday he believes Michael Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history, despite remarks he made last month regarding Miami Heat forward LeBron James on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike In The Morning."

Norris Cole traded to the Heat for No. 31 - Norris Cole (G) Miami Heat
Norris Cole has been traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for the No. 31 pick in this year's draft and a future second round pick.

Puerto Rico celebrates arrival of Barea (AP)

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jose Juan Barea arrived in his native Puerto Rico on Wednesday to a hero's welcome that included a two-hour caravan under a blistering sun. "I'm proud of what I, along with my teammates, accomplished in the finals, but I'm more proud of being a Puerto Rican.

Ilgauskas exercises his option to return to Heat
Veteran center Zydrunas Ilgauskas exercised his player option to return to the Miami Heat next season for the final year of his contract, the team confirmed Wednesday.

Wade, Anthony attend Milan fashion show (AP)

Dwyane Wade's trip to Italy is off to a fashionable start. On the fifth anniversary of being the 2006 NBA finals MVP, the Miami Heat guard was one of the front-row spectators Monday at a Versace fashion show in Milan. Wade arrived in the Italian city hours earlier. Also at the show: New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, sitting with Wade, his longtime friend.

Obama congratulates Carlisle on title;(STRYLINK NAME:v2112; SLUG:2080 APBC-BKN--Obama-Mavericks 1st Ld-Writethru,0165;))(HEADLINE XHL:Father's Day has extra meaning for Wade (AP)
Dwyane Wade is getting used to being a father. And a son. This is a Father's Day weekend like none other for the Miami Heat star. Instead of lamenting over the NBA finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks -- yes, it still hurts, to the point where he's still avoiding television in case replays pop up -- he was spending Saturday flanked by his two sons and their once-estranged grandfather at a...

Minor league baseball team mocks James (AP)
Even the Peoria Chiefs are poking fun at LeBron James. The Chicago Cubs' Class A affiliate in Illinois is holding a LeBron James NBA Championship Replica Ring Giveaway at Thursday night's game. The replica rings, like a Miami Heat championship, don't exist. The Chiefs also said they hoped to skip the fourth inning of Thursday's game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to...

Mavs' Stevenson busted for intoxication (AP)

Dallas Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson has been arrested for public intoxication. Police in suburban Irving, Texas, say Stevenson was arrested Tuesday night after reports of an intoxicated person walking through the grounds of an apartment complex. Police say Stevenson didn't know where he was and he was arrested after field sobriety tests.

Carlisle: Spoelstra had 'toughest job' in the NBA
Without prompting, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle made a point to defend NBA Finals counterpart Erik Spoelstra, praising the Miami Heat coach for "the toughest job in basketball."

Heat extend Chalmers a qualifying offer
The Miami Heat have made a qualifying offer to point guard Mario Chalmers, which means the team would have the option of matching any contract presented to him in free agency.

A-Rod says get off LeBron's back
New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez says fans should get off LeBron James's back over his failure to lead the Miami Heat to the NBA title.

Vendors giddy over LeBron's failure
After decamping from Cleveland last summer for the promise of greater things in Miami, and then failing to lead the Heat to an NBA title against the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James awoke to an unprecedented level of vitriol for a modern athlete Monday.

LeBron: I'm 'not superior to anyone'
LeBron James ended his first Miami Heat season with a clarification.

James says he's 'not superior to anyone' (AP)

LeBron James ended his first Miami Heat season with a clarification. James says comments he made after the Heat lost Game 6 of the NBA finals to the Dallas Mavericks may have been misunderstood, and that when it comes to the overwhelming criticism of himself and his team, "not only myself, but everyone has to move on with their lives." James raised eyebrows with the way he responded to a...

Report: Cuban spent $110K celebrating
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban spent $110,000 in four hours celebrating at club LIV at Miami's Fontainebleau after his Mavs beat the Heat to take the NBA championship, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Germans celebrate Nowitzki's NBA title (AP)

Hundreds of fans in Dirk Nowitzki's hometown of Wuerzburg celebrated his first NBA title. Fans watching the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat were joined by Nowitzki's father, Joerg. He says "it is something really special for Dirk because he is finally recognized in America too as a real sporting great." Germany national basketball team coach Dirk Bauermann says that...

NBA enters offseason of uncertainty (AP)

As Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade traded big shots in a thrilling NBA finals, with fans tuning in at levels the league hadn't seen since the days of the Kobe-Shaq Lakers, the questions came more frequently. The answers grow harder to understand. How can Commissioner David Stern tell all those viewers to go watch something else?

Miami paper runs ad congratulating Heat
Heat fans were greeted by an unwelcome sight in Monday morning's Miami Herald, as the paper mistakenly ran a full-page ad congratulating LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Co. on winning the NBA championship.

Ohio governor praises Mavericks
John Kasich (KAY'-sik), governor in LeBron James' home state of Ohio, has issued a resolution praising the Dallas Mavericks for their NBA title-clinching win Sunday over the Miami Heat.

Team effort lifts Mavs to championship (AP)

When Dirk Nowitzki couldn't get anything to fall, Jason Terry couldn't miss. When Tyson Chandler got in foul trouble, Ian Mahinmi went in and hit two memorable baskets. When DeShawn Stevenson replaced Shawn Marion as the defensive stopper, he turned three quick steals into 3-pointers. The Dallas Mavericks closed out the NBA finals on Sunday night the way they got there -- as a team, with...

Paper champs? Local paper congratulates Heat
The Dallas Mavericks' win over the Heat is a huge upset for fans in Miami. Making matters worse, an ad in the local paper has mistakenly congratulated the Heat on winning.

Miami Heat star LeBron James addresses his critics


Heat to again face title expectations (AP)
LeBron James swiped at critics after the final Miami Heat game of the season, saying the quality of their lives will not improve because he failed to win a championship. Neither will his. His enormous fame and fortune not withstanding, the perception of James is shaped mostly by what he does in his basketball uniform -- and what he says out of it.

Dirk becomes a champ and LeBron does not
Dirk, Dallas floor LeBron, Miami to claim NBA crown.

Fans greet champion Mavericks in Dallas (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks returned home in triumph on Monday, cheered by hundreds of fans celebrating the franchise's first NBA title and the first professional championship of any kind in the area in more than a decade. Owner Mark Cuban walked off the plane at Love Field carrying the championship trophy he was handed after Sunday's Game 6 win over the Miami Heat.

Miami Herald ad: Heat 'NBA champions' (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks' win over the Heat is a huge upset for fans in Miami. Making matters worse, an ad in the local paper has mistakenly congratulated the Heat on winning. A full-page ad that ran in Monday's Miami Herald reads "Congratulations Miami" next to photos of Heat championship T-shirts and hats from Macy's.

Ohio governor Kasich praises Mavericks (AP)
John Kasich (KAY'-sik), governor in LeBron James' home state of Ohio, has issued a resolution praising the Dallas Mavericks for their NBA title-clinching win Sunday over the Miami Heat. Without naming James, Kasich's resolution commends the Mavericks for their "loyalty, integrity and teamwork." He also makes them honorary Ohioans.

Cuban humble after Mavs win championship (AP)

Mark Cuban zipped his lips and won a championship. And when it was time for his old nemesis David Stern to hand him the shiny gold trophy, this was his big chance to say anything he wanted. So, what did he do? He stood behind a 78-year-old man and let him take center stage, a reward for Donald Carter having founded the team 31 long years ago.

NBA will further review altercation after Game 6
The NBA says it will review further the altercation between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter of Game 6 after some players from the bench were on the floor.

Cavs owner Gilbert congratulates Mavs (AP)

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has congratulated Dallas on winning its first NBA title, denying LeBron James the one he left Cleveland to get. About 15 minutes after the Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Game 6, Gilbert sent a message on his Twitter page to Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. "Congrats to Mark C.& entire Mavs org.," Gilbert wrote.

Nowitzki named NBA finals MVP (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki has been named Most Valuable Player of the NBA finals for his huge role in leading the Dallas Mavericks to their first championship. Although the German star struggled in the Mavericks' Game 6 victory on Sunday, he certainly put them in position to win it all, overcoming injury and illness to power fourth-quarter comebacks from deficits of 12, nine and four points in Dallas'...

Mavericks win first NBA title, oust Heat (AP)

For Dirk Nowitzki, the resume is complete. He's an NBA champion. For LeBron James, the agonizing wait continues for at least one more year. Avenging what happened five years ago in perfect turnabout style, the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA title by winning Game 6 of these finals in Miami 105-95 on Sunday night -- celebrating on the Heat's home floor, just as Dwyane Wade and his team...

Mavericks defeat Heat for NBA title
Dallas claims NBA title with win in Miami.

NBA will further review altercation after Game 6
The NBA says it will review further the altercation between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter of Game 6 after some players from the bench were on the floor.

NBA to review Game 6 altercation (AP)

The NBA says it will review further the altercation between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter of Game 6 after some players from the bench were on the floor. Players leaving the bench during an altercation are subject to an automatic one-game fine, but no players were thrown out Sunday night because the incident came during a timeout, when players had already left the bench...

Heat's Chalmers starts in Bibby's place (AP)
Mario Chalmers has been moved into Miami's starting lineup for Game 6 of the NBA finals. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra revealed the switch shortly before tipoff against the Dallas Mavericks, with Miami facing a win-or-else game. The Mavericks took a 3-2 series lead into Sunday night's matchup. It's Chalmers' first start since March 19.

NBA set to review Game 6 altercation
The NBA says it will review further the altercation between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter of Game 6 after some players from the bench were on the floor.

Heat implore fans for enthusiasm
Deadspin.com revealed an email sent out by the Miami Heat to season ticket holders. In the message, the Heat encouraged fans to show up in white and comfortable shoes because "you need to be standing from the opening tip 'til the final buzzer".

Wade practices, says hurt hip won't be an issue
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade thinks his bruised left hip will not be an issue for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Dirk: Wade, James 'ignorant' in video (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki said Saturday that Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were "a little childish, a little ignorant" in a video that appears to show them mocking the Mavericks star's recent illness. Wade said he really did cough and turned it into a generic joke because cameras were rolling. He and James blamed others for trying to make a big deal out of it.

Dirk: LeBron, Wade antics 'childish, ignorant'
Dirk Nowitzki didn't find anything funny about the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade and LeBron James coughing and cracking jokes about being sick in front of cameras, calling it "childish."

Heat stars feign illness ... at Dirk's expense?
Dirk Nowitzki's sinus infection and the ensuing storyline apparently was a source of amusement for Miami Heat superstars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James before Game 5.

Late-game collapses still haunting Heat (AP)
If the Miami Heat are going to recover and win this NBA championship, they may want to put the Dallas Mavericks away before the final minutes. Otherwise, they could be in more than a little trouble. Five games into the NBA finals, the Heat have had chances to win all five games. A case could be made that they should have won all five, especially after they held leads in every matchups in this...

Mavs have great shot at title in Miami
Dallas in driver's seat despite series shifting to Miami.

James tweets it's 'Now or Never' (AP)

Now or never? LeBron James is apparently making that his mantra entering Game 5 of the NBA finals. At 2:27 a.m. Eastern time Thursday, James posted "Now or Never!!" on his Twitter page, and said after the Miami Heat practiced in Dallas later that morning that the tweet was simply a pep talk to himself.

Dirk moves Mavs within 1 win of title (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki thrust both arms in the air, a sea of blue screaming around him and the Dallas Mavericks finally ahead in these ultra-close NBA finals. Now it really is "now or never" for LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Nowitzki scored 29 points, driving for the go-ahead dunk with 2:45 remaining, and the Mavericks beat the Heat 112-103 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the NBA...

James' triple-double not enough for Heat (AP)
LeBron James said Game 5 of the NBA finals was going to be the most important of his life. He responded with a triple-double. Even that wasn't enough for the Miami Heat. His final line: 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, the first triple-double in Heat playoff history and the seventh of his postseason career.

Mavs sink 13 3-pointers; take 3-2 lead in Finals
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks finally have the lead in these ultra-close NBA Finals, and now it really is "now or never" for LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Wade plays through bruised left hip (AP)
When the Miami Heat won their NBA title in Dallas five years ago, then-coach Pat Riley famously packed "one suit, one shirt, one tie" for that trip. Dwyane Wade tried to add "one leg" to that list of Heat lore. He almost pulled it off, too. Playing through a bruised left hip that left him at one point prone on the court with a towel over his grimacing face, Wade scored a...

Mavs beat Heat in Game 5 of NBA Finals
Dallas shoots down Miami to move one win from title.

Wade (hip) leaves game; returns in 2nd quarter
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade was taken to the locker room after apparently being hurt in a collision with Brian Cardinal of the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the NBA finals.

Mavs backup C Haywood out of Game 5 (AP)
Dallas Mavericks backup center Brendan Haywood was inactive for Game 5 of the NBA finals because of a hip injury that's bothered him much of the series. Haywood was injured late in Game 2 against the Miami Heat. He missed Game 3, then tried to play in Game 4, lasting only 3 minutes. With two days off before Game 6 in Miami, there's still a chance Haywood could return.

Dirk not fully healthy but 'feels great' (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki's fever is gone. The Mavericks star said "I feel great" as he took the court for a shootaround Thursday, about eight hours before Game 5 of the NBA finals. He declared himself over the worst effects of a sinus infection he played through in Game 4. Nowitzki said these infections crop up from time to time, and it's the fever that always causes him the most trouble.

Finals Game 4 draws 11.1 overnight TV rating
Game 4 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Dallas drew an 11.1 overnight rating, up 22 percent from the fourth game of the Heat-Mavericks title matchup in 2006.

Barkley can't root for Heat, calls fans 'worst'
Charles Barkley lobbied another verbal salvo on Wednesday in his war of words with the Miami Heat and their fans.

Stevenson: James 'checked out' vs. Mavs
Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson is directing some sharp words toward Miami's LeBron James on the eve of Game 5 in the NBA finals.

Stevenson says LeBron 'checked out' of Game 4
Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson is directing some sharp words toward Miami's LeBron James on the eve of Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Mavs' Haywood to test hip before Game 4 (AP)

Mavericks backup center Brendan Haywood is planning to test his injured hip Tuesday afternoon to see if he would be able to play in Game 4 of the NBA finals a few hours later. Haywood says he would try sprinting and changing directions either after a morning shootaround or closer to game time. The decision would be simple: If he could do those things close to full speed, he would play.

Heat say Mavs' trash talk will fuel their fire
It's been awhile since the Miami Heat had heard some public trash talk. So when some Dallas Mavericks gave them a variety of bulletin board material heading into Tuesday night's Game 4 of the NBA Finals it made an impression in the Heat locker room.

Ailing Dirk rallies Mavs to Game 4 win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks have pulled off another stunning comeback, tying the NBA finals at two games each. And this time, Nowitzki did it while battling the flu. Nowitzki shook off three poor quarters to score 10 of his 21 points in the final period as the Mavericks outscored the Miami Heat 21-9 over the final 10:12 for an 86-83 victory in a memorable Game 4 Tuesday night.

Jackson: Warriors in playoffs next year (AP)

First-time coach Mark Jackson fully expects the Golden State Warriors to be in the playoffs next season. Speaking before Game 4 of the NBA finals Tuesday night, Jackson said to "put it in bold letters" that the Warriors are going to be a playoff team next season. He says he wouldn't have taken the job if that wasn't his anticipation.

Barea starts for Stevenson in Game 4 (AP)

Down 2-1 in the NBA finals, the Mavericks tried to jump-start their offense by putting J.J. Barea into the starting lineup in place of defensive-oriented DeShawn Stevenson for Game 4 against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Backup center Brendan Haywood also returned to the active list after missing Game 3 with a hip injury.

Mavs try to get even with Heat in Game 4 of NBA Finals
OK, sneak a peek at how Dallas and Miami are doing in Game 4.

Heat's Haslem haunting Mavericks again (AP)
For all the glitzy personnel moves the Miami Heat made last summer to largely reshape the NBA's balance of power, there was one deal the Dallas Mavericks desperately wish never happened. And we're not talking about the ones LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh signed. Nope, the Mavs were hoping to land Udonis Haslem a year ago when he hit the open market.

Report: Heat leaning on LeBron's defense
Despite criticism LeBron James has not been producing late in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat superstar has been playing at a remarkably high level -- particularly on defense, an often overshadowed part of his game, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Mavs' Stevenson: LeBron, Wade 'great actors'
Foul or not, Dallas Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson said Miami Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade do a better job of selling calls than most.



Miami survives another Dallas comeback
Dallas comeback falls short as Miami responds to Game 2 meltdown.

Mavs C Haywood is game-time decision (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks say backup center Brendan Haywood is a "game-time decision" for Sunday night's Game 3 of the NBA finals against the Miami Heat. Haywood left Game 2 on Thursday with a strained right hip flexor. He was in practice gear when the Mavs held their morning shootaround Sunday, but neither he nor Dallas coach Rick Carlisle offered specifics on how much he was able to do...

Wade, Heat hang on to take 2-1 lead over Mavs
Dwyane Wade scored 19 points in another big performance in Dallas, powering the Miami Heat to a 47-42 lead over the Mavericks at halftime of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

Bosh's jumper gives Heat 2-1 finals lead (AP)

The Miami Heat didn't blow this one. Now they're just two wins from being crowned NBA champions. Chris Bosh made a 16-foot, go-ahead jumper from the baseline with 39.6 seconds left and the Heat held on for an 88-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night for a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals.

Heat hold on for Game 3 win in Dallas
Miami regains control of series with win in Dallas.

Haywood game-time decision Sunday
The Dallas Mavericks say backup center Brendan Haywood is a ''game-time decision'' for Sunday night's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.

Butler wants to re-join Mavs in finals (AP)

A few dribbles from the NBA finals logo, Caron Butler turns and shoots. The ball swishes through the net and his Dallas Mavericks teammates smile. Alas, this is only a practice. Once the Mavericks play the Miami Heat for real, Butler will be in a suit at the end of the bench, watching, waiting and wondering whether he'll be able to join the fun.

Bosh set for Dallas homecoming in finals (AP)

The first time Chris Bosh returned to Dallas as an NBA player in 2003, he needed 175 tickets for family and friends. He won't get anywhere near that many on this trip home. "You don't get your hands on extra tickets," Bosh said. "The ticket thing, man, it's something else." Especially now, in the NBA finals.

Down 15 in 4th, Mavs rally to stun Heat (AP)

Any pain in Dirk Nowitzki's left hand wouldn't have hurt nearly as much as a 2-0 deficit. So he put the ball there -- torn-up finger and all -- and hoisted the shot that gave the Dallas Mavericks new life in the NBA finals. Nowitzki shook off an injury to his non-shooting hand and made the tie-breaking layup with 3.6 seconds left, and the Mavericks roared back from 15 points down in the...

Nowitzki, Mavs fight back in 4th to tie Finals at 1
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks put a stunning end to their misery in Miami.

Late fade costs Heat home-court edge (AP)

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were rejoicing for the entirety of their walk from the Dallas bench to the Miami bench. Heat players spilled onto the floor, many with fists in the air. Miami 88, Dallas 73, 7:14 remaining. Game over, right? Not a chance. An eerie turnabout from the Dallas-Miami matchup in the 2006 finals was about to happen, and the Heat were powerless to stop it.

Mavericks erase big road deficit again (AP)

Down by 15. Only 7:14 left. On the road. Headed toward an 0-2 deficit in the NBA finals against a Miami Heat team ready to be crowned NBA champions since LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade last summer. It's pretty remarkable that the Mavericks overcame it all to win the game and even the series.

Collapse represents major setback for Heat
It all falls apart for Miami in epic collapse.

Three Mavericks return banged up from Miami
Mavericks' Brendan Haywood, Jason Terry join Dirk Nowitzki in being hurt.

Riley appears calm amid Heat's run (AP)
From his seat, whether at an exhibition game or the NBA finals, Pat Riley has remained largely stoic this season. His expression hardly changes, no matter the situation. But now, the Miami Heat president confesses, the truth can come out: It's all a front. "It's a harrowing type of thing, when you truly care about winning," he said this week.

Mavs complete epic rally to stun Heat
Miami blows big lead as Dallas evens series.

Mavs try to get even with Heat in NBA Finals
Miami goes for 2-0 lead on Dallas.

Chandler on Heat: 'Got to make 'em pay'
Dallas Mavericks starting center Tyson Chandler, hurt by foul trouble in Game 1, said he's prepared to be in position to put more points on the board against the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Thursday night.

Game 1 ratings best for Finals opener since '04
Game 1 of the Miami-Dallas matchup in the NBA finals generated a 10.7 overnight rating on ABC, the most for an opening game in the league's title series since 2004.

Strong TV ratings for finals opener (AP)
Game 1 of the Miami-Dallas matchup in the NBA finals generated a 10.7 overnight rating on ABC, the most for an opening game in the league's title series since 2004. The network said that's up 3 percent over the numbers generated by Game 1 of the Los Angeles Lakers-Boston Celtics meeting in the finals last year, and up 15 percent over the opener of the Heat-Mavericks series in 2006.

Heat F Miller aggravates left shoulder injury
Miami Heat forward Mike Miller aggravated a left shoulder injury late in Tuesday's victory against the Dallas Mavericks and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, team officials said.

NBA has 'productive' labor talks (AP)

Commissioner David Stern felt there was progress. Union executive director Billy Hunter says he is "hopeful." So a month before a potential lockout, there was some reason for optimism about the NBA's labor situation. Representatives of the league's owners and players met for about four hours Wednesday and will get together twice next week in Dallas as they try to negotiate a new...

Heat's Miller expects to play in Game 2
The sling and grimaces were gone when Mike Miller walked on the court Wednesday, and the Miami Heat reserve guard smiled when asked about his latest injury.

Heat finish strong again in Game 1 win (AP)
The Miami Heat were maligned throughout much of the regular season for the way they struggled down the stretch of close games. That hasn't been a factor of late in these playoffs. The Heat have won five straight games, outscoring opponents in the fourth quarter of each of those contests, including Game 1 of the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Heat's Miller says he'll be ready for Game 2
Miami Heat reserve guard Mike Miller is back at practice, less than 24 hours after leaving the arena with his left arm in a sling.

Heat's Miller: I'm fine for Game 2 (AP)

Miami Heat reserve guard Mike Miller is back at practice, less than 24 hours after leaving the arena with his left arm in a sling. Miller said Wednesday he'll be ready for Game 2 of the NBA finals Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. He wore a sleeve on his arm during Game 1 and grimaced several times while managing six points and five rebounds in 20 minutes.

Heat show off killer instinct in Game 1
Miami starts Finals by showing off its finishing touch.

Dirk tears tendon in left middle finger (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki tore a tendon in his left middle finger during Game 1 of the NBA finals, and likely will wear a splint to protect it the rest of the series. Nowitzki was hurt trying to swipe the ball from Miami's Chris Bosh during the fourth quarter of Dallas' 92-84 loss in the opener Tuesday night.

Superstitious Terry dons '06 Heat pajamas
The Dallas Mavericks' flop against the Miami Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals isn't on Jason Terry's mind, but a piece of that series was on his body the night before Game 1 on Tuesday night.

LeBron, Wade seal Game 1 as Heat strike first
The Miami Heat have struck first in the NBA Finals.

Heat make surprising 11 3s in Game 1 (AP)

The Miami Heat were more than the Big Three. They unleashed some big 3s on the Dallas Mavericks, too. Combine that with winning the bench battle, and the Heat had some surprising advantages in their 92-84 victory in Game 1 of the NBA finals on Tuesday night. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all had good nights for the Heat, but the Mavericks were ready for that.

Heat rally past Mavericks to win Game 1 (AP)

Dwyane Wade's night began with a hug for his mom. It ended with an embrace from LeBron James. And the Miami Heat have struck first in the NBA finals. James scored 24 points for his first win in five finals-game appearances, Wade added 22 points and 10 rebounds and the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 92-84 in Game 1 of the title series on Tuesday night.

Heat C Dampier active for Game 1 (AP)

Heat center Erick Dampier is active for Game 1 of the NBA finals against one of his former teams, the Dallas Mavericks. Dampier has not been in Miami's 12-man lineup at any previous point in this season's playoffs, despite being a starter at times for the team. He was with Dallas in 2006 when the Mavericks lost the finals to Miami in six games.

Heat face Mavs in Game 1 of NBA Finals
It's all come down to this: LeBron, Miami vs. Dirk, Dallas.

James honored to be back in finals (AP)
LeBron James says he's honored to be back in the NBA finals. The Miami Heat star got his first look at the finals logos on the team's home floor Monday, saying he wanted to soak up the atmosphere. He even held the championship trophy in a promotional photo shoot for ABC, which will broadcast the finals against the Dallas Mavericks starting Tuesday night.

Game 82 win gave Heat home-court edge (AP)

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will play Game 1 of the NBA finals on their home floor. They can thank Eddie House, Juwan Howard and Jamaal Magloire for that privilege. The story goes like this: On the final night of the regular season, the Miami Heat were playing against the Toronto Raptors -- and had an eye on the Dallas Mavericks.

Kidd to be oldest G to start in finals (AP)

After all the assists, steals, 3-pointers and triple-doubles, Jason Kidd has an easier path to his next entry in the NBA record book. All he has to do is show up. When the Dallas Mavericks face the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, Kidd will become the oldest guard to start a game in an NBA finals. While Dirk Nowitzki calls him a "fossil," and Shawn Marion described him as being "almost...

Wade takes part in full practice before Game 1
Dwyane Wade was able to participate fully in practice with the Miami Heat on Monday, on the eve of their NBA finals opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

Wade practices in full for Heat
Dwyane Wade was able to participate fully in practice with the Miami Heat on Monday, on the eve of their NBA Finals opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

Terry will erase tattoo if Mavs fail to win trophy
Jason Terry's tattoo of the Larry O'Brien Trophy could be temporary.

If his Dallas Mavericks don't beat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, Terry said he would have the tattoo removed from the inside of his right biceps.

Wade held out of contact at practice (AP)
Heat star Dwyane Wade and reserves Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller and James Jones were held out of contact portions of Sunday's practice. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says they all will practice fully Monday. Miami hosts Game 1 of the NBA finals against Dallas on Tuesday night. Spoelstra says the moves were given to ensure that everyone is "healthy going into this." The Heat spent time on...

Spoelstra gives Heat calming influence (AP)

Erik Spoelstra still has the T-shirt he tugged over his shirt-and-tie combination in Dallas five years ago on the night the Miami Heat won the NBA championship. It's never been washed. The scent of champagne remains. Back then, he was a little-known assistant for Pat Riley. The dark circles under his eyes were nowhere near as pronounced as they are now.

LeBron doesn't agree with MJ comparison
LeBron James says he's flattered by Scottie Pippen saying the Miami forward ''may be the greatest player to ever play the game.''

Wade not injured but gets day off from practice
Dwyane Wade was given Saturday's practice off by Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra so the guard could get some extra rest before the start of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

James may get shot at guarding Nowitzki (AP)

It's the matchup that basketball fans might really want to see. Not Heat vs. Mavericks. LeBron vs. Dirk. There's a chance at some point in the NBA finals, which begin Tuesday when Dallas visits Miami, that Heat forward LeBron James may find himself guarding Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki. If it happens, James said he will accept the challenge.

Many veteran Mavs seeking first title (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd are at the point in their careers where the only thing they care about is winning a championship. Luckily for them, their teammates feel the same way. From Shawn Marion to Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler to Brendan Haywood, Peja Stojakovic to DeShawn Stevenson, the Dallas Mavericks are a collection of guys who've played at least 10 seasons and made tens of millions of...

Wade's wild year ends with finals return (AP)

There were civil trials over failed business deals. A nasty divorce. A nastier custody fight. The uncertainty of where he would continue his NBA career. And the rigors of a season unlike any other. That sums up the last 12 months for Dwyane Wade. Which only makes where he's going now even sweeter. Wade and the Miami Heat are heading to the NBA finals for the second time, capping an overwhelming...

Miami Heat Game 5 reaction
Heat react after beating Bulls to reach NBA Finals

Mavs don't care about facing Heat again (AP)

Mavericks stars Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry insist they don't care that their second crack at an NBA championship is coming against the Miami Heat, the team that kept them from winning it all the first time around. Terry and Nowitzki are the only holdovers from the 2006 Mavericks; Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are the only guys remaining on the Heat.

East finals ratings up 46 percent (AP)
The Miami Heat won the series and plenty of television viewers in the Eastern Conference finals. The five-game series between the Heat and Chicago Bulls averaged 10.4 million viewers on TNT. That's up 46 percent from last year's Celtics-Magic matchup in the East, and up 33 percent from Lakers-Suns on TNT in 2010.

Pippen: James may be better than Jordan (AP)

As if the Bulls losing to Miami in the Eastern Conference finals wasn't enough, Hall-of-Famer Scottie Pippen has added to Chicago's pain by suggesting that LeBron James could be better than Michael Jordan. Pippen stirred the pot in an interview with ESPN radio on Friday morning, saying Jordan "is probably the greatest scorer to play the game" but James "may be the greatest...

Dirk, Mavs ready for 'another crack' at Heat
No matter how fitting the chance for the Dallas Mavericks to come full circle since the 2006 Finals meltdown against the Miami Heat, forward Dirk Nowitzki has no interest in playing the revenge card.

LeBron redeeming image with incredible play
LeBron carries Miami to NBA Finals and earns a break from all the hate.

Popularity poll shows LeBron decline, NBA boost
America loves its movie stars.

But its affifinty for LeBron James, he of the "Hollywood as hell" Miami Heat, fell on hard times this season, if an ESPN poll is any indication.

Butler 'unlikely' for NBA Finals
Don't expect Caron Butler to make a dramatic return to the Dallas Mavericks just in time to face the Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

Rose: Bulls will be hungrier next season (AP)

Derrick Rose says the Chicago Bulls will come back hungrier next season after the Miami Heat knocked them out of the playoffs. As good as they were this season, the Bulls came up short in the Eastern Conference finals. Miami won the series in five games and will play Dallas for the NBA championship. The Bulls were aiming for more after back-to-back 41-win seasons and first-round playoff exits.

Pippen: Bulls' high-price players must be better
Scottie Pippen said the Chicago Bulls' highest-price players could not be counted on against the Miami Heat.

Heat fans celebrate return to finals (AP)

Gabrielle Union thrust both her arms up in celebration. Savannah Brinson hoisted her index finger skyward. On the street below, more than 10,000 Miami Heat fans screamed in delight as well. The Heat are going to the NBA finals -- and the party in Miami started long before the game ended. The team threw a rally for its fans Thursday night, showing Game 5 from Chicago on a giant 3,400-square-foot video...

Down 12 late, Heat rally to reach finals (AP)

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joined to win a championship. Well, now they have their shot. James scored 28 points, Wade added 21, and they led a furious rally in the final minutes as the Miami Heat eliminated Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday.

LeBron, Wade lead improbable comeback
Miami rally finishes off Chicago, sets up title matchup with Dallas.

James, Wade spark Heat to East title (AP)
No way LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were going back to Miami without the Eastern Conference title. Miami's two biggest stars played like it Thursday night, taking over the game in the fourth quarter and dragging Miami out of a 12-point deficit for an 83-80 win that put the Heat in the NBA finals for the first time since 2006, when they won the title.

Scalabrine takes Asik's spot for Bulls in Game 5
Brian Scalabrine will take Omer Asik's place on the Chicago Bulls' roster for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat on Thursday.

Heat not looking beyond game 5 (AP)

Dwyane Wade stayed long after practice ended Wednesday, fine-tuning his shot for so long that he had to eventually be summoned off the court so the Miami Heat's plane could leave on time. Up 3-1 in the Eastern Conference finals, the Heat are still working. "We're desperate," Wade said.

Thibodeau: First quarter Bulls' focus vs. Heat
Tom Thibodeau said the Chicago Bulls' comeback against the Miami Heat begins with small steps.

Mavs seek title that slipped away in '06 (AP)

For five years, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry have lived with the regret of letting an NBA championship slip away. Next week, they get to try again. Maybe even in the same place where everything fell apart. The scene was Miami, where the Dallas Mavericks led 2-0 in the series and by 13 points with 6:34 left in Game 3.

Hardaway: Noah did well after anti-gay slur
Chicago native and former Miami Heat star Tim Hardaway has plenty of reasons to be intrigued by the Eastern Conference finals, including one negative storyline that resurrected a low point for Hardaway.

Heat G Miller has ruptured tendon in left thumb
Miami Heat guard Mike Miller has been playing with a ruptured tendon in his left thumb that he suffered with a month ago coach Erik Spoelstra revealed at practice on Wednesday.

Thibodeau on Rose: He won't make them all
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose made just 8 of 27 shots and missed a shot at the end of regulation in Game 4 that would have evened their series against the Miami Heat, but his team hasn't lost faith in him.

Miller dealing with daughter's health
For Mike Miller, this Miami Heat playoff run is coming at a personally trying time.

With full team, Heat go full steam ahead
Miami on verge of Finals berth thanks to total team effort.

Bulls C Asik to miss rest of playoffs (AP)

Chicago Bulls backup center Omer Asik will miss the rest of the season because of a broken left fibula. Asik was injured in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Miami. The team says an MRI and CT scan taken before Game 4 on Tuesday confirmed the injury. He tried to play anyway, but lasted just two minutes.

Postgame reaction to Miami Heat win over Chicago Bulls in Game 4


No shootaround: Bulls' Asik (leg) game-time call
Chicago Bulls center Omer Asik missed shootaround Tuesday prior to Game 4 against the Miami Heat because of a muscle strain in his left leg, and he is a game-time decision.

Rose shoots 8 for 27 in Game 4 loss (AP)
When Derrick Rose had a chance to win the game and tie the series, he came up short. In fact, his shot failed to reach the rim. The miss from 17 feet as the fourth quarter ended sent Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals into overtime, and the Miami Heat took advantage of the reprieve Tuesday to beat the Chicago Bulls 101-93.

Heat win in OT, within 1 game of finals (AP)

Dwyane Wade was ailing, so LeBron James and Chris Bosh more than picked up the slack. Then Wade found his groove at the perfect time, and the Miami Heat, the team put together solely to win championships, moved one emotional victory away from the NBA finals. James scored 35 points, Bosh added 22 and the Heat overcame an early 11-point deficit to beat the Chicago Bulls 101-93 on Tuesday night,...

Wade fuels Heat in OT as Bulls pushed to brink
LeBron James scored 35 points, Chris Bosh added 22 and the Miami Heat moved within one win of the NBA Finals with a wild 101-93 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference title series on Tuesday night.

Heat surge past Bulls in Game 4 overtime
Miami on verge of NBA Finals after clutch win over Chicago.

Heat go for 3-1 lead on Bulls
With Miami chasing the East title, can Chicago get back in the hunt?

Bulls dealing with untimely distractions (AP)

Distractions are surrounding the Chicago Bulls right now, at the season's most critical moment. Before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Bulls dealt with questions about an interview where Derrick Rose reportedly said the NBA has a huge problem with performance-enhancing drugs. And now, the buildup to Game 4 on Tuesday night has been largely about Joakim Noah directing an anti-gay...

Bulls' Rose: I can be way more aggressive
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose believes the Miami Heat have the best defensive squad he has faced all season, and he knows a berth in the NBA Finals depends on the Bulls overcoming that challenge.

Noah meets with NBA over anti-gay slur (AP)

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has met with NBA officials and expects to "pay the price" for using an anti-gay slur during Sunday's third game of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami. Television cameras captured Noah saying an expletive, followed by the slur toward a fan midway through the first quarter.

Bulls' Noah sorry for alleged gay slur toward fan
Bulls center Joakim Noah apologized for allegedly using a gay slur toward a fan during Chicago's 96-85 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Noah, league officials discuss slur
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has met with NBA officials and expects to ''pay the price'' for using an anti-gay slur during Sunday's third game of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami.

Noah fined $50K for using gay slur
The NBA fined Bulls center Joakim Noah $50,000 Monday after he appeared to yell an anti-gay slur at a Miami Heat fan.

Bulls' Noah, NBA officials discuss anti-gay slur
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has met with NBA officials and expects to "pay the price" for using an anti-gay slur during Sunday's third game of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami.

Bulls sputter offensively in Game 3 loss (AP)

Nearly an hour before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, Derrick Rose found himself on the defensive. Facing a small knot of reporters at his locker, the NBA MVP denied telling ESPN the Magazine the league has a steroid problem. A distraction? Maybe. But Rose and his Chicago Bulls teammates were backpedaling for much of the night Sunday, and they lost to the Miami Heat 96-85 to fall behind in...

Bosh powers Heat to 2-1 series lead over Bulls
Chris Bosh scored 34 points, LeBron James added 22 and the Miami Heat took a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals by beating the Chicago Bulls 96-85 on Sunday night.

Bosh has 34 as Heat down Bulls in Game 3 (AP)

For the second time in three games, Chris Bosh had a monster night against the Chicago Bulls. Unlike the first, this one paid off with a win. And the Miami Heat are two victories from their first trip to the NBA finals since 2006. Bosh scored 34 points, LeBron James finished with 22 points and 10 assists, and the Heat remained unbeaten at home in the postseason by beating the Bulls 96-85 in Game 3...

Report: Noah appears to yell gay slur
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah could find himself in trouble with the NBA after he appeared to yell a gay slur at a fan during Sunday night's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Miami, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Report: Noah apologizes for gay slur
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah could find himself in trouble with the NBA after he appeared to yell a gay slur at a fan during Sunday night's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Miami, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Follow Bulls-Heat in Game 3 of Eastern finals
Eastern Conference duel hits Miami as rivals reach for next level.

Ilgauskas suited up for Heat; Magloire inactive
The Miami Heat are listing Zydrunas Ilgauskas on their active roster for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Ilgauskas replaces Magloire for Heat (AP)
The Miami Heat are listing Zydrunas Ilgauskas on their active roster for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Ilgauskas was inactive for Games 1 and 2 of the series in Chicago. He is taking the spot of Jamaal Magloire, who played a combined 14:38 in the opening two games, scoring a total of four points.

Bulls' Noah addresses dispute with fan
Chicago center Joakim Noah is acknowledging saying ''something'' toward a fan during the first quarter of the Bulls' Eastern Conference finals game in Miami on Sunday night.

Rose questions steroid quote in magazine (AP)

Chicago guard and reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose says he does not recall telling ESPN the Magazine that the league has a steroid problem. The magazine's May 16 issue has a quote it attributes to Rose, in which he was quoted as saying the NBA has a "huge" problem and needs "a level playing field." Before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night against Miami, Rose...

Mavs hold on to win, reclaim home court (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 18 points during an off night for both of the game's superstars and the Dallas Mavericks built a huge lead early before hanging on for a 93-87 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. The Mavericks, who tied with Miami for the league's best road record during the regular season, won for the fourth straight...

Rose says Game 3 is must-win for Bulls (AP)
They were bloodied, bruised and battered. Just about everyone had icepacks strapped to various regions of their bodies, and many all but limped toward the bus out of the arena. That was the Miami scene after Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Imagine what the losing team must have felt like. The East finals resume with Game 3 in Miami on Sunday night, when the Heat host the Chicago Bulls with a...

Bulls' PF Gibson embraces role (AP)

The Chicago Bulls didn't need to see Taj Gibson dunk on Dwyane Wade in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals or try to carry them late in Game 2. They already understood his value. He's just showing it on a bigger stage these days. The Bulls are in the conference finals for the first time in 13 years, tied 1-1 with the Heat as the series shifts to Miami for Game 3, and challenging for...

Defense does not rest in East finals
Miami, Chicago get defensive in stingy series.

Bulls' Rose plans to 'keep driving' in Game 3
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose and coach Tom Thibodeau have spent plenty of time over the past few days breaking down tape, trying to find driving lanes in the Miami Heat defense.

Heat look to ride home edge to NBA title (AP)

Good news for the Miami Heat: They're the only team still unbeaten at home in this year's playoffs. Better news for the Heat: To win the NBA championship, they only need to stay that way. And here's perhaps some sobering news for the Heat: Every other team left in this postseason is 1-0 on Miami's home floor this year.

Bulls look to make adjustments vs. Heat (AP)
By the numbers, the Chicago Bulls easily could have been blown out by the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. They weren't, though. Even though MVP Derrick Rose struggled, even though they got outshot and outrebounded, and even though LeBron James and Dwyane Wade played more like superstars, the Bulls were in it until the end.

Rodman to present game ball before Bulls-Heat
Dennis Rodman will return to the United Center on Wednesday when he presents the game ball before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

Hear from Heat and Bulls after Miami's Game 2 win
Hear from Heat and Bulls after Miami's Game 2 win

LeBron, Heat win Game 2 to even Eastern finals
LeBron James came up big down the stretch and scored 29 points, Dwyane Wade added 24 and the Miami Heat beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75 Wednesday night to tie the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece.

Bulls go cold in 4th, fail to stop James (AP)

Missed shots and wasted opportunities. The Chicago Bulls couldn't connect in the fourth quarter and they couldn't stop a late surge by LeBron James, either. That's why the Eastern Conference finals are tied at 1-1 headed back to Miami with the Heat in control of homecourt advantage. The Bulls, down by 11 in the third quarter, tied the game on a basket by Taj Gibson with a little more...

James clutch late as Heat even series (AP)

LeBron James came up big down the stretch and scored 29 points, Dwyane Wade added 24 and the Miami Heat beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75 Wednesday night to tie the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece. The Heat can breathe a little easier after escaping with a win and stealing home-court advantage.

LeBron wishes Cavs well with top pick
Miami Heat superstar LeBron James said Wednesday he was happy his former team Cleveland had won the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the New York Daily News reported.

Heat surge past Bulls to even series
Miami gets even in East finals with win in Chicago.

Thibodeau: Bulls' plan won't change in Game 2
As the Miami Heat ponder changes heading into Game 2 on Wednesday, the Chicago Bulls will stick to the script they used to grab a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

Deng-James matchup key in East finals (AP)
The Chicago Bulls saw it all year from Luol Deng, so what he did against LeBron James and the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals hardly shocked them. Hit big shots? Hit the boards? Limit the game's most talented player? Check, check and huge check. The Bulls lead the Heat 1-0 after a 103-82 victory on Sunday, and a big reason for that is Deng.

Bulls control Heat, lead 1-0 after dominant 4th
Derrick Rose scored 28 points, Luol Deng contained LeBron James and the Chicago Bulls struck first in the Eastern Conference finals, pulling away to beat the Miami Heat 103-82 in Game 1 on Sunday night.

Bulls beat Heat, stifle James in Game 1 (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 28 points, Luol Deng contained LeBron James and the Chicago Bulls struck first in the Eastern Conference finals, pulling away to beat the Miami Heat 103-82 in Game 1 on Sunday night. The Bulls are off to a good start in this series after sweeping the Heat during the regular season.

James, Wade both struggle in Game 1 loss (AP)
LeBron James had trouble sleeping the night before the opener of the Eastern Conference finals because he was so excited about the opportunity ahead. Maybe he was a little tired Sunday night. Now the Miami Heat star will likely have more restless nights ahead before Game 2 on Wednesday night. James picked up two first-quarter fouls, had an off-night offensively shooting just 5-for-15, and the...

Bulls run past Heat to take 1-0 lead
Chicago shows it still has Miami's number with Game 1 win.

Heat players to take turns guarding Rose (AP)
LeBron James will take some turns guarding Derrick Rose in the Eastern Conference finals. So will Dwyane Wade. Mike Bibby, Mario Chalmers and even Chris Bosh in some moments, too. None of them expects to stop him. Keeping Rose in check, however, is the top priority for the Miami Heat -- and is likely a prerequisite for beating the Chicago Bulls and reaching the NBA finals.

Bulls, Heat collide in East finals (AP)
On the night of the big "Decision" last summer, Luol Deng was at the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya with no TV and no one was asking if LeBron James would sign with the Chicago Bulls. Deng wasn't paying attention to the soap opera. It's safe to say he will be following James a little more closely starting Sunday, when the Chicago Bulls meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference...

Breakdown: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
Breakdown: Heat vs. Bulls

LeBron: Don't look for high scoring in East finals
LeBron James had a bit of advice Saturday for fans who are expected an exciting, high-scoring, offensively efficient playoff series between his Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls: watch the Western Conference finals instead.

Heat present Bulls toughest test yet (AP)
Derrick Rose saw the talent, saw the attitude and saw no reason why this couldn't be a special season for the Chicago Bulls. Well, 62 wins and two playoff series victories later, it's still going strong. The Bulls knocked off Atlanta on Thursday and now comes their toughest test: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

Wade to stay in hotel, not Chicago home (AP)
There will be no comforts of home for Dwyane Wade on this trip to Chicago. All business. After all, an NBA finals berth is at stake. The Chicago native is going home and treating it like a road trip, which is precisely what it is from the Miami Heat perspective anyway. Some of Wade's toughest nights in the NBA have come in Chicago, and so may his toughest challenge yet this season, when the Heat...

Wanna bet? Las Vegas likes Heat to reach Finals
The Miami Heat is a strong favorite, almost 2-to-1, to beat the Chicago Bulls in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals.

Rose, James set to meet in East finals (AP)
Dwyane Wade is going home this weekend. Derrick Rose will be waiting for him. Get ready for a star-studded Eastern Conference finals. It will be No. 1 Chicago against No. 2 Miami for a spot in the NBA finals, their best-of-seven to decide the East crown set to start Sunday night. Chicago clinched its spot Thursday by beating the Atlanta Hawks 93-73, winning that series in six games.

Boozer steps up in Bulls' Game 6 win
Chicago polishes off Hawks, sets up date with Miami.

Celtics ponder future after ouster (AP)

The Boston Celtics have all their key players signed for next season, and coach Doc Rivers seems ready to return as well. So why is everyone writing the Big Three's obituary? Because Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all in their mid-30s, and they were showing their age in their loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Heat make breakthrough by beating Celts (AP)

With two words, LeBron James captured Dwyane Wade's attention. "I apologize," James said. He said it late Wednesday night, roughly an hour after the Miami Heat finished off the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Wade was seated to James' left, looking down at the table, when that one phrase immediately had him lift his eyes toward his teammate's face.

Wade, LeBron reflect on their time with Shaq
Dwyane Wade's relationship with Shaquille O'Neal is fractured but the Miami Heat star said he'll always appreciate O'Neal's impact on his career.

Wade's 34, LeBron's 33 help Heat finish Celtics
Dwyane Wade scored 34 points, LeBron James put Miami up for good with a 3-pointer with 2:10 left and finished with 33, and the Heat scored the final 16 points to top Boston 97-87 on Wednesday night to win their East semifinal series in five games.

Heat score last 16 to eliminate Celtics (AP)

Behind Boston much of the season. Behind Boston much of the game. No more. Not only has the Miami Heat caught the Celtics -- they have officially gone past them, and into the Eastern Conference finals. Vanquishing the team they couldn't beat for so long with a 16-0 run to end the game, Dwyane Wade scored 34 points, LeBron James put the Heat up for good with a 3-pointer with 2:10 left on the way...

Riley, Bulls' Forman both win top exec (AP)
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman are co-recipients of the NBA Executive of the Year award for engineering overhauls that so far have propelled their teams to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The league announced the award Tuesday. Riley and Forman each received 11 of a possible 30 votes from a panel of team executives.

Riley, Forman share top NBA exec honor
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman are co-recipients of the NBA Executive of the Year award for engineering overhauls that so far have propelled their teams to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

LeBron, Wade: Celtics inspired us to join forces
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade cited the reigning Eastern Conference champion Celtics as an inspiration for joining forces in Miami.

Heat rise and Celtics fall in Game 4
Miami breaks through in Boston -- with a lot of help from the Celtics.

James apologizes for saying 'retarded' (AP)
LeBron James says he's sorry for using the word "retarded" in a postgame news conference. The Miami Heat star muttered the word after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals as he and Dwyane Wade listened to a question about Wade's takedown of Boston guard Rajon Rondo. James had his hand covering his mouth when he said "that's retarded" as a reporter asked Wade...

Heat win in OT, take 3-1 lead on Celtics (AP)

Miami's Big Three was assembled for just this purpose: To dominate the bullies from Boston who knocked them from the playoffs so many times before. LeBron James scored 35 points, Dwyane Wade had 28 and Chris Bosh had 20 on Monday night to give the Heat a 98-90 overtime victory over the Celtics and move Miami within one game of the Eastern Conference finals.

Bosh's tip-in sinks Celtics in OT, Heat go up 3-1
LeBron James scored 35 points with 14 rebounds to lead Miami to a 98-90 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night and give the Heat a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Miami's Haslem active after missing 77 games
Udonis Haslem is back on the Miami Heat bench for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics after missing 77 games with a ruptured ligament in his left foot.

Rondo set to play in Game 4
Rajon Rondo is set to play for the Boston Celtics in Game 4 against the Miami Heat two days after dislocating his left elbow.

Rivers expecting injured Celtics to play Game 4
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says he's expecting all of his injured players to be available for Monday night's fourth game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Miami.

Rivers: Hurt Celtics on track for Game 4
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says he's expecting all of his injured players to be available for Monday night's fourth game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Miami.

Celtics answer Heat as Rondo dislocates elbow
Rajon Rondo had six points and 11 assists despite playing the fourth quarter with a dislocated left elbow, and the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 97-81 on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Rondo hurts elbow but helps Celtics win (AP)

Rajon Rondo had six points and 11 assists despite playing the fourth quarter with a dislocated left elbow, and the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 97-81 on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Miami leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 on Monday night in Boston.

Rondo (elbow) returns after takedown by Wade
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow in Saturday night's playoff game after crashing to the court in a tangle with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Shaq is back for Celtics in Game 3 vs. Heat
Shaquille O'Neal is ready for Game 3 of Boston's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat.

Rondo leaves game with arm injury
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo left Saturday night's playoff game with an apparent arm injury after crashing to the court in a tangle with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Heat talk of symmetry amid 'bandwagon sway'
The Miami Heat say they aren't paying any more attention to the newfound praise for the team's success than they did to critics who ridiculed their early season failures.

Heat still trying to ignore outsiders (AP)

When his team was off to a shaky 9-8 start, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra ordered his team to ignore what he called "the noise," his term for outside perceptions of the club. When they were losing five straight games after the All-Star break, Spoelstra issued the same edict. And now, with a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the same thinking applies.

Rivers expects Shaq to play in Game 3
Shaquille O'Neal is expected to play for the Boston Celtics in the playoffs for the first time in Game 3 against the Miami Heat.

Nets C Lopez undergoes arm surgery (AP)

Center Brook Lopez, the New Jersey Nets' leading scorer, had surgery Wednesday to remove a bone mass and a calcium deposit from his upper right arm. General manager Billy King said the center should be ready for training camp in the fall. The surgery was performed by Nets team orthopedic Dr. Riley Williams III and Dr.

We was robbed: Celts lose more than games in Miami
Celts lose more than games in Miami.

Ailing Celtics get needed break vs. Heat (AP)

Coach Doc Rivers had very specific instructions for the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Go golfing. Avoid hanging out with each other. Most importantly, try to stay away from the game of basketball. Think of it as a Doc's prescription for mental health. Physical health may be of greater concern for the Celtics, who are limping into big trouble against the Miami Heat.

Shaq doubtful, Haslem out for Game 2
Boston center Shaquille O'Neal is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's Game 2 of the Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat.

Late run helps Heat go up 2-0 on Celtics (AP)

LeBron James walked toward Mario Chalmers in the final minute with a content look. He punched his teammate twice in the chest. Fitting, because James and the Miami Heat have now landed two blows against the Boston Celtics. James scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half, Dwyane Wade added 28 and the Heat used a late 14-0 run to pull away and beat the Celtics 102-91 in Game 2 of their Eastern...

Heat put Celtics in 2-0 hole as LeBron drops 35
LeBron James scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half, Dwyane Wade added 28 and the Miami Heat used a late 14-0 run to pull away and beat the Boston Celtics 102-91 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

LeBron, Heat take Game 2 from Celtics
LeBron James scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half, Dwyane Wade added 28 and the Miami Heat used a late 14-0 run to pull away and beat the Boston Celtics 102-91 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Heat's Bosh sues ex-girlfriend over reality show
Miami Heat star Chris Bosh is suing the mother of his child for appearing on a reality TV show called "Basketball Wives," which he said intrudes on his private life.

Bosh sues ex-girlfriend for reality show (AP)
Miami Heat star Chris Bosh is suing the mother of his child for appearing on a reality TV show called "Basketball Wives," which he said intrudes on his private life. Bosh claimed in a lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles federal court that Allison Mathis and Shed Media are trying to unjustly enrich themselves by using Bosh's name and intruding into his private affairs.

Bosh sues ex over 'Basketball Wives'
Miami Heat star Chris Bosh is suing the mother of his child for appearing on a reality TV show called "Basketball Wives," which he said intrudes on his private life.

2011 NBA playoffs: Miami Heat's LeBron James, Dwyane Wade talk in-depth about their partnership
Sitting in their traditional seats in their traditional setting, speaking to the media side by side at the same time, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James gave an impromptu breakdown of their developing relationship Tuesday morning.

2011 NBA playoffs: Fouls from Game 1 of Boston Celtics-Miami Heat series changed by NBA
After reviewing game film on Monday, the NBA changed the ruling on two of high-profile physical plays that Miami Heat forward James Jones was involved in during the second half of Miami's 99-90 Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce 'surprised' by ejection; no further penalty
Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce expressed remorse Monday for letting his teammates down by getting ejected in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat in an Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Miami Heat to ask fans to sing anthem before Game 2
The Miami Heat will break from tradition and not have anyone brought in to sing the national anthem before Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

Heat to have fans sing anthem for Game 2 (AP)

The Miami Heat will break from tradition and not have anyone brought in to sing the national anthem before Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Instead, the Heat are encouraging fans to sing it themselves. The announcement was made by the Heat less than one day following the announcement that Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S.

Shaq, Haslem out for Game 1
Shaquille O'Neal is inactive for Boston and Udonis Haslem will remain out for Miami, ending hopes both had that they could return from injuries for Sunday's Game 1 of the Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference semifinals.

Wade, Jones help Heat stifle Celts, take Game 1
Dwyane Wade scored 38 points, James Jones set a Miami postseason record with 25 points off the bench, and the Heat struck first in their Eastern Conference semifinal series by beating the Boston Celtics 99-90 on Sunday.

Wade's 38 help Heat top Celts in Game 1 (AP)

Dwyane Wade knew his regular-season numbers against Boston were lacking. He also knew that wouldn't matter in the playoffs. And Game 1 -- which seemed more like Round 1 -- of what's already an emotionally charged series went to Wade and the Miami Heat. Wade scored 38 points on 14 of 21 shooting, James Jones set a Miami postseason record with 25 points off the bench, and the Heat beat the...

Celtics F Pierce ejected in 4th quarter (AP)
Celtics forward Paul Pierce has been ejected from Game 1 of Boston's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat after picking up two technical fouls on separate plays in the fourth quarter. Pierce got the second of those with 7 minutes remaining, after tangling with Miami guard Dwyane Wade.

2011 NBA playoffs: Shaquille O'Neal, Udonis Haslem out in Boston Celtics-Miami Heat opener
Shaquille O'Neal sat out the Celtics-Heat opener, but coach Doc Rivers says his return is 'very close.'

No Shaq, no Haslem in Celts-Heat Game 1 (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal is inactive for Boston and Udonis Haslem will remain out for Miami, ending hopes both had that they could return from injuries for Sunday's Game 1 of the Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference semifinals. O'Neal has played in only one game since Feb. 1 because of a strained right calf.

Miami Heat's LeBron James dismisses notion of quitting vs. Boston Celtics
LeBron James has an answer for those who felt he gave less than full effort in last year's playoffs against the Celtics: "that's corny."

2011 NBA playoffs: Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra not counting on Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem
Despite injury problems throughout the regular season, the Miami Heat had hoped their key bench players would be healthy enough for crucial postseason series.

Heat oust 76ers to reach East semifinals (AP)

Not easy. But over. For the first time since 2006, the Miami Heat have won a playoff series -- and, finally, can start thinking in earnest about another showdown with the Boston Celtics. Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh added 22 points and 11 rebounds, and the Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by topping Philadelphia 97-91 on Wednesday night and ousting the 76ers in five...

Heat knock 76ers out of playoffs after 5 games
Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh added 22 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by topping Philadelphia 97-91 on Wednesday night and ousting the 76ers in five games.

Wade, Bosh power Heat to 2nd round
Miami shakes off Philly, earns date with Boston.

Celtics practice, await opponent (AP)
The Boston Celtics are trying to improve their own game while waiting to find out who they'll face next in the playoffs. They practiced Wednesday for the first time since completing a four-game sweep of the New York Knicks in the opening round on Sunday. Their next opponent will be the winner of the Miami-Philadelphia series.

Haslem continues practicing with Heat
Heat forward Udonis Haslem says he's hopeful of returning to the Miami lineup sometime this postseason.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Miami Heat sticking with starting lineup despite struggles
Despite the Heat's slow first-quarter starts and the underperformance of their starting unit, coach Erik Spolestra will field the same lineup at tip-off of Game 5 against the 76ers on Wednesday night.

Slow starts holding Heat back so far (AP)
Much of the talk after Game 4 of the Miami-Philadelphia series revolved around the way the 76ers finished. How they're starting against the Heat seems just as important. Philadelphia 78, Miami 46. That's the combined score when Miami's starting five is on the floor to open contests in this Eastern Conference first-round series against the 76ers, who have given the Heat more than a few...

No such thing as perfect plan for Miami Heat
So much for the Heat's perfect plan.

Celtics rout Knicks to complete sweep (AP)

The Boston Celtics made the New York Knicks' return to the postseason a brief one. Now the Celtics have a long break before that expected trip to Miami. Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Rajon Rondo added 21 points and 12 assists, and the Celtics swept their way into the Eastern Conference semifinals, holding on for a 101-89 victory over the Knicks on Sunday.

Heat eager to finish sweep of 76ers (AP)

Lou Williams hit a 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an 86-82 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday and avoid a sweep. Miami was 95 seconds away from winning Game 4, holding an 82-76 lead. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the Heat didn't score again.

76ers blow lead but edge Heat to avoid sweep
Lou Williams hit a 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an 86-82 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday and avoid a sweep.

Report: Bosh got married before playoffs
Miami Heat star Chris Bosh headed into the playoffs as a married man after a secret wedding in Miami Beach earlier this month, TMZ reported Saturday.

Wade, Heat overpower 76ers to take 3-0 lead
Dwyane Wade had 32 points and 10 rebounds, LeBron James finished with 24 points and 15 boards and the Miami Heat took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a 100-94 victory Thursday night.

Heat rally past Sixers to take 3-0 lead (AP)

Dwyane Wade had 32 points and 10 rebounds, LeBron James finished with 24 points and 15 boards and the Miami Heat took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a 100-94 victory Thursday night. Chris Bosh scored 19 points for the Heat, who rallied from an early 10-point deficit to move within one win of a sweep of the Eastern Conference series.

Udonis Haslem of Miami Heat practices, but return still up in air
Heat power forward Udonis Haslem participated in two workouts over the weekend, but took Wednesday off to rest his sore left foot.

Heat hope to finish off 76ers in Philly (AP)
The Heat have said all the right things. The playoffs don't start until a team wins on the road. The Philly fans are some of the toughest around. No game is harder to win than Game 3. Give the Heat credit, they believe in good sportsmanship. The Heat are likely among the few people not wearing a Philadelphia 76ers uniform who are unwilling to concede that this playoff series is Miami's to...

Heat roll to 2-0 lead over 76ers, 94-73 (AP)
Philadelphia closed Game 2 of its Eastern Conference first-round series against Miami by making five straight shots, which saved the 76ers from ignominy. Only 19 teams in the last 19 seasons had shot less than 30 percent in a playoff game. And the Heat had the 76ers on the cusp of joining that group, holding Philly to just under 30 percent until the final moments of Monday's Game 2 romp.

Heat following the process to success
Once laughable, Miami's mantra is paying major postseason dividends.

NBA playoffs 2011: Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat better, expected to play Monday
Heat guard Dwyane Wade is feeling much better, one day after missing practice with symptoms of a migraine.

James, Heat rout 76ers, take 2-0 series lead
LeBron James scored 29 points, Chris Bosh had his second straight double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat never trailed in beating the Philadelphia 76ers 94-73 on Monday night in Game 2.

Heat roll to 2-0 lead over 76ers, 94-73 (AP)

LeBron James outscored Philadelphia's entire starting five in the first half by himself. So did Chris Bosh. So did Dwyane Wade. And that pretty much tells the tale of a night the 76ers would rather forget. No comeback required for the Miami Heat this time -- they went wire-to-wire on the lead, and moved two wins from advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Heat host Sixers in Miami
Heat aim to take 2-0 lead on the Sixers.

2011 NBA playoffs: Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat misses practice due to migraine symptoms
Dwyane Wade did not practice with the Miami Heat on Sunday because of migraine symptoms, a problem he's battled for years.

Wade misses practice with migraine
Dwyane Wade did not practice with the Miami Heat on Sunday because of migraine symptoms, a problem he's battled for years.

Heat win Game 1 but still lack killer instinct
Miami's Big Three wins playoff debut, but still has one critical flaw.

Bosh helps Heat hold off Pacers' rally in Game 1
Chris Bosh scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, LeBron James finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Miami Heat held off a Philadelphia rally to beat the 76ers 97-89 on Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Heat get late scare before beating 76ers (AP)

Game on the line, a sold-out arena standing in anticipation. Dwyane Wade relished those moments in 2006. And apparently still does. Playing with five fouls yet attacking nonetheless, Wade scored five of his 17 points in the final 1:34 to help the Miami Heat hold off a huge comeback try by Philadelphia and beat the 76ers 97-89 on Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Miami fends off scrappy 76ers
Miami takes down Philadelphia for Big Three's first playoff win.

James gets lighter Nikes for playoffs (AP)
LeBron James is getting new shoes for the NBA playoffs. The Miami Heat forward's eighth signature shoe is being launched by Nike on Saturday -- not coincidentally, the opening day of the NBA postseason. Miami hosts Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Udonis Haslem backs Frank Martin for Miami coaching job
Heat forward Udonis Haslem hopes Kansas State coach Frank Martin has a shot at the Miami Hurricanes' vacant coaching position.

Heat motivated from title trophy visit (AP)
Dwyane Wade started this Miami Heat postseason push a year ago. Not with The Decision. He made The Promise. When the Heat were bounced in the first round of the 2010 playoffs, Wade raised an eyebrow for emphasis and said, "This will be my last first-round exit for a while." You know the rest.

Heat have favorable matchup with Sixers in first round
Miami's stars will overcome Philly's depth.

Heat rest Big 3 in win over Raptors (AP)

Eddie House scored a career-high 35 points, Juwan Howard added 18 and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 97-79 on Wednesday night in the regular-season finale. With the Heat assured of the second seed in the East, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra rested LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat also were without forward Mike Miller, who sat out the second half Sunday against Boston because...

Reserves shine as Heat crush Raptors
Eddie House scored a career-high 35 points, Juwan Howard added 18 and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 97-79 on Wednesday night in the regular-season finale.

Miami Heat resting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in finale
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra is resting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for the Heat's final regular-season game.

Heat rest James, Wade, Bosh in finale (AP)
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra is resting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for the Heat's final regular-season game. The Heat are locked into the second seed in the East and host Philadelphia in their playoff opener on Saturday. Miami also is without forward Mike Miller, who sat out the second half of Sunday's win over Boston with a sore left thumb and injured his left ankle in...

Valet worker files suit vs. LeBron's mom
A valet at a Miami Beach hotel has filed a lawsuit against the mother of Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James, seeking financial damages less than a week after claiming she verbally abused and assaulted him while he was working.

Miami valet sues LeBron James' mom Gloria after hotel spat
A valet at a Miami Beach hotel is suing the mother of Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James, claiming she verbally abused him and assaulted him while he was working.

James passes Kobe for top-selling jersey (AP)
If LeBron James' move to Miami made him a villain to some, fans like dressing as a bad guy. James had the top-selling jersey in the NBA this season, moving past Kobe Bryant to claim the No. 1 spot for the first time since his rookie season in Cleveland in 2004. Bryant dropped to No. 2 on the list announced Wednesday, while Rajon Rondo moved up to third, one of five Boston Celtics among the top...

LeBron passes Kobe for No. 1 jersey sold
If LeBron James' move to Miami made him a villain to some, fans like dressing as a bad guy.

Trail Blazers sign C Barron (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed center Earl Barron for the rest of the season. Barron has played parts of five seasons with Miami, New York, Phoenix and Milwaukee. He has averaged 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds, appearing in 108 games, including 27 starts. This season the 7-foot, 250-pound center has played for both the Suns and the Bucks.

Celts fall to Wiz, set for playoff series vs. Knicks
The Boston Celtics didn't play four of their usual starters, and the result was a 95-94 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday night that handed the Miami Heat the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Celtics sit 4 starters, lose to Wizards (AP)

The Boston Celtics didn't play four of their usual starters, essentially setting aside their bid for a better playoff seed for the chance to give their top players some rest, and the result was a 95-94 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday night that handed the Miami Heat the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron, Heat stifle Hawks' attempted comeback
LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami held on for a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while playing their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night.

Heat move closer to 2nd seed, beat Hawks (AP)

LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami held on for a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while playing their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night. Miami was looking to lock up the No. 2 seed in the East and played its starters all the way.

Heat hold off Hawks, clinch No. 2 seed
LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while going with their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night.

Celtics rest Garnett, Allen, Rondo (AP)
A day after a beatdown by the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers chose rest over seeding when he sat Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo for Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards. Rivers also said Paul Pierce probably wouldn't play, and that Jermaine O'Neal would see limited minutes.

Heat overpower Celtics to stand alone in second
LeBron James scored 27 points, Dwyane Wade added 14 and the Miami Heat moved past the Boston Celtics into second place in the Eastern Conference with a 100-77 victory on Sunday.

Heat rout Celtics, move into 2nd in East (AP)

If this was a preview of the Eastern Conference semifinals, then the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics showed exactly what to expect. There will be few pleasantries. There will be pushing and shoving. And if there's a Game 7, it may very well be in Miami. LeBron James scored 27 points, Dwyane Wade added 14 and the Heat moved closer to wrapping up the No.

Erick Dampier of Miami Heat inactive at center against Boston Celtics
Heat center Erick Dampier is inactive for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

LeBron, Heat crush Celtics
LeBron James scored 27 points, Dwyane Wade added 14 and the Miami Heat moved past the Boston Celtics into second place in the Eastern Conference with a 100-77 victory on Sunday.

Shaquille O'Neal doesn't travel with Boston Celtics; out vs. Miami Heat, Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal did not travel with the team to Miami Saturday and has been ruled out for both of Boston's final two road games of the season.

Celtics vs. Heat may decide East's No. 2 (AP)
Somehow, after 79 games, nothing between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat has been decided. Boston, 55-24. Miami, 55-24. Tied for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, one team will take a stranglehold on the race for home-court through at least the first two playoff rounds on Sunday when the Celtics and Heat meet in Miami.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat expected to play despite leg injury
Heat guard Dwyane Wade is expected to play in Miami's game Friday night against the Bobcats.

Wade expected to play against Bobcats
Heat guard Dwyane Wade is expected to play in Miami's game Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Celtics stay in hunt for East's No. 2 (AP)

Boston coach Doc Rivers wasn't hiding it. He hopes his team shows up ready Sunday to play a key game. Rajon Rondo had 20 points and 14 assists to lead the Celtics to a 104-88 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night, setting up a showdown with Miami for the Eastern Conference's second spot.

Heat win, remain tied for 2nd in East (AP)

Dwyane Wade was back and attacking, his sore thigh almost forgotten. Chris Bosh had his biggest fourth quarter of the season. LeBron James controlled the offense, as he's done so many times. Though not easily, Charlotte was handled. And now the Heat can get ready for Boston. Bosh scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds, Wade returned from injury to score 27 more,...

Bosh, Wade both hit 27 to get Heat past Bobcats
Chris Bosh scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Dwyane Wade returned from injury to score 27 more, and the Miami Heat held off the undermanned Charlotte Bobcats 112-103 on Friday night.

Wade returns to lead Heat over Bobcats
Though it lacked a lot of style points, the Miami Heat took care of their No. 1 objective.

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade goes through workout, hopes to play Friday vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Heat guard Dwyane Wade hopes his deeply bruised right thigh will allow him to play Friday night when Miami hosts the Bobcats.

James' mom arrested for alleged assault (AP)

The mother of Miami Heat basketball star Lebron James was arrested by Miami Beach police after she reportedly assaulted a valet worker because it was taking too long to have her car delivered. Police said Gloria James had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and her eyes were bloodshot when officers arrived at the hotel about 4:47 a.m.

Bulls on verge of clinching East's No. 1 (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 30 points and the Chicago Bulls closed in on the top seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Boston Celtics 97-81 on Thursday. The Bulls' 17th win in 19 games put them four games up on Boston and Miami with four to play and eliminated the Heat from getting the No. 1 seed.

Reports: Mother of LeBron James of Miami Heat arrested on assault charge
The mother of Heat forward LeBron James was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge early Thursday morning at a Miami Beach hotel, area media outlets reported.

Reports: LeBron's mom arrested in Miami
The mother of Miami Heat star LeBron James was arrested Thursday in Miami Beach on a misdemeanor assault charge, RadarOnline.com reported, citing police sources.

LeBron's mother arrested at Miami hotel
The mother of Miami Heat basketball star Lebron James was arrested by Miami Beach police after she reportedly assaulted a valet worker because it was taking too long to have her car delivered.

Wade's status unclear after workout
Heat guard Dwyane Wade hopes his deeply bruised right thigh will allow him to play Friday night when Miami hosts the Charlotte Bobcats.

Wade-less Heat lose, fall0.5-game behind Celtics
John Salmons scored 17 points, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added 14 points and 12 rebounds, and even while being officially eliminated from postseason contention the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 90-85 on Wednesday night.

Bucks drop Wade-less Heat to 3rd in East (AP)

John Salmons scored 17 points, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added 14 points and 12 rebounds, and even while being officially eliminated from postseason contention the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 90-85 on Wednesday night. The loss knocked Miami (54-24) a half-game back of Boston in the race for the No.

Wade-less Heat fall to Bucks
John Salmons scored 17 points, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added 14 points and 12 rebounds, and even while being officially eliminated from postseason contention the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 90-85 on Wednesday night.

LeBron James of Miami Heat reaches 2,000 points for 7th straight season
Heat forward LeBron James has now scored 2,000 points in seven straight seasons.

Wade sits out with thigh bruise
With a week left in the regular season, Miami guard Dwyane Wade is ailing.

Report: LeBron in deal for Liverpool FC
Miami Heat star LeBron James is joining forces with Fenway Sports Group in a deal that will give the seven-time NBA All-Star a minority stake in English Premier League soccer club Liverpool FC, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Bulls open 3-game lead on Celtics, Heat (AP)

Derrick Rose finished with 19 points, Luol Deng scored 18 and the Chicago Bulls continued to close in on the top seed in the Eastern Conference, hanging on to beat the Phoenix Suns 97-94 Tuesday. They lead Miami and Boston by three games, with the Celtics visiting Thursday. The Bulls led by 13 at the half and 22 in the third, only to see Phoenix whittle it to two in the fourth quarter, before...

Celtics win, tie Heat for 2nd in East (AP)

Rajon Rondo scored 16 points with 13 assists and the Boston Celtics moved into a tie for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 99-82 on Tuesday night. With the win, the Celtics and Heat were tied at 54-23 with four games left. The Celtics would win the tiebreaker because they beat Miami in their first three meetings this season; the teams play again in Miami on...

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade receives treatment for bruised right thigh
Miami guard Dwyane Wade received treatment Monday on his bruised right thigh and is not sure how it will affect him over the next few days.

Kim English, Laurence Bowers of Missouri to consider entering draft
Two Missouri starters have declared for the NBA draft on the same day the school is expected to approve a contract to hire Miami's Frank Haith as its new men's basketball coach.

Wade could miss time with thigh bruise
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade could miss Wednesday night's home contest against Milwaukee after suffering what the team is calling a 'right lateral thigh contusion' during Sunday's win over the Nets.

LeBron's 31 points helps Heat shut down Nets
LeBron James had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat opened a 16-point first-quarter lead and never looked back in a 108-94 victory over the struggling New Jersey Nets on Sunday night.

Heat cruise past struggling Nets 108-94 (AP)

LeBron James had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat opened a 16-point first-quarter lead and never looked back in a 108-94 victory over the struggling New Jersey Nets on Sunday night. Dwyane Wade added 18 points despite a first-quarter thigh injury and Chris Bosh had 16 as the Heat won their third straight and eighth in nine games.

Nets F Humphries out against Heat (AP)
New Jersey Nets power forward Kris Humphries missed Sunday's game against the Miami Heat with a sprained right ankle and bruised heel. Humphries, fifth in the NBA with 10.4 rebounds a game, was hurt in the first half against the Knicks on Wednesday. He missed his first game of the season on Friday against Philadelphia.

Avery Johnson: New Jersey Nets' Kris Humphries out next two games
The New Jersey Nets will be without starting power forward Kris Humphries for at least the next two games, head coach Avery Johnson said before Sunday evening's game against the Miami Heat.

Heat clinch Southeast Division title
LeBron James had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat opened a 16-point first-quarter lead and never looked back in a 108-94 victory over the struggling New Jersey Nets on Sunday night.

Love reinjures groin, out vs. Grizzlies (AP)
Minnesota forward Kevin Love didn't make the trip for the Timberwolves' game Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a strained left groin. Love, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, missed three games in the last 10 days because of the injury. The 6-foot-10 Love, in his third year out of UCLA, played 35-plus minutes Friday night in a 111-92 loss to the Miami Heat.

Heat use 25-1 run to rout downtrodden Wolves
Dwyane Wade scored 32 points, LeBron James added 27 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, and the Miami Heat turned a tight game into a rout in the third quarter of a 111-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Heat on verge of clinching Southeast (AP)

Dwyane Wade scored 32 points, LeBron James added 27 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, and the Miami Heat turned a tight game into a rout in the third quarter of a 111-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Chris Bosh added 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat, who trailed at halftime but opened the third quarter with a staggering 25-1 run to take control.

Heat too much for Wolves in second half
Dwyane Wade scored 32 points, LeBron James added 27 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, and the Miami Heat turned a tight game into a rout in the third quarter of a 111-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Blatche helps Wizards win without Wall (AP)

Andray Blatche tied a career high with 36 points and had a career-best 19 rebounds, Jordan Crawford added 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Washington Wizards beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-107 on Friday night. The Wizards played without John Wall, who was suspended for one game due to his part in a scuffle against Miami earlier this week.

Washington Wizards' John Wall to serve one-game suspension Friday against Cleveland Cavaliers
Wizards rookie guard John Wall was suspended for Friday night's game against Cleveland due to his part in a scuffle against Miami earlier this week.

Wall suspended vs. Cavs after scuffle (AP)
Wizards rookie John Wall was suspended for Friday night's game against Cleveland due to his part in a scuffle against Miami earlier this week. Wall was playing tight defense Wednesday night against Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who appeared to elbow Wall in the face at least once while protecting the ball.

Washington Wizards' John Wall suspended one game; Miami Heat's Juwan Howard, Zydrunas Ilgauskas fined for roles in scuffle
Wizards rookie John Wall has been suspended one game without pay and two Miami Heat players have been fined for their actions in Wednesday night's game at Washington.

Wall suspended, Howard, Ilgauskas fined (AP)
Wizards rookie John Wall has been suspended one game without pay and two Miami Heat players were fined for their actions in Wednesday night's game at Washington. NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson announced the penalties Thursday in a statement. In addition to Wall's suspension, Heat forward Juwan Howard was handed a $35,000 fine and teammate Zydrunas...

Wall suspended; Ilgauskas, Howard fined
Wizards rookie John Wall has been suspended one game without pay and two Miami Heat players were fined for their actions in Wednesday night's game at Washington.

Noah-less Bulls bounce back, rip Wolves (AP)

Derrick Rose had 23 points and 10 assists in three quarters and the Chicago Bulls blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-91 on Wednesday night. Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 14 rebounds and the Bulls recorded 31 assists on 41 field goals to stay 2 1/2 games ahead of Boston and Miami in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

After Wall's ejection, Heat beat Wizards (AP)

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat had a surprisingly tough time against the lowly Wizards -- even after No. 1 draft pick John Wall was ejected for a second-quarter scuffle. James finished with 35 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Wade had 33 points and nine assists, and Chris Bosh scored 26, helping Miami get past Washington 123-107 Wednesday night and avoid what would have been...

Heat roll after Wall, Ilgauskas ejected
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat had a surprisingly tough time against the lowly Wizards - even after No. 1 draft pick John Wall was ejected for a second-quarter scuffle.

Miami Heat's Mike Miller won't play against Cleveland Cavaliers because of bruised knee
The Miami Heat will be without guard Mike Miller for tonight's game against the Cavs.

Heat F Miller out against Cavaliers (AP)
Miami Heat reserve forward Mike Miller is going to miss at least one game with a bruised knee. Miller is traveling with the team, but will not play in Tuesday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Erik Spoelstra said after the morning shootaround that Miller will sit so his knee can "calm down." Spoelstra does not yet know if Miller, averaging 5.7 points and 4.5 rebounds...

Cavs smoke Heat despite LeBron's triple-double
Despite blowing a 23-point lead, the Cavs battled back and beat the Miami Heat 102-90 on Tuesday night, getting a dose of revenge against James, who was making his second homecoming visit to Cleveland since leaving the city as a free agent last summer.

Cavs get revenge on James, beat Heat (AP)

In an unbearable season of losses, Cleveland got the win it wanted most. The Cavaliers took down LeBron James. Despite blowing a 23-point lead, the Cavs battled back and beat the Miami Heat 102-90 on Tuesday night, getting a dose of revenge against James, who was making his second homecoming visit to Cleveland since leaving the city as a free agent last summer.

LeBron James of Miami Heat delayed by Cleveland Cavaliers garage parking security
LeBron James was delayed in getting into the arena for the Miami Heat's shootaround Tuesday morning when he arrived with a driver and with a second car at the entrance for the Cavs' underground garage parking lot.

James, Wade, Bosh score 30-plus in win (AP)

Dwyane Wade was hurting at halftime and spent much of the third quarter recovering in the Miami locker room. He returned in plenty of time to help set Heat history. LeBron James had 33 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Chris Bosh added 31 points and 12 rebounds, and the Heat beat the Houston Rockets 125-119 on Sunday for their eighth win in nine games.

Big Three combines for 94 in Heat win
LeBron James had 33 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Chris Bosh added 31 points and 12 rebounds, and the Miami Heat set a franchise record in beating the Houston Rockets 125-119 on Sunday for their eighth win in nine games.

Dwyane Wade returns after injuring tailbone vs. Rockets
Dwyane Wade suffered a bruised tailbone in the second quarter of the Miami Heat's game against the Houston Rockets.

Dwyane Wade 'drags' Miami Heat teammate LeBron James to Florida tennis tourney
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James passed on watching basketball for a night -- to be tennis fans.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas near return to Miami Heat; Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem to travel with team
Heat center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has recovered from his infected foot and is expected to be in uniform Sunday when Miami hosts the Houston Rockets.

Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas feared infection, but he's on road to full recovery
The Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas recounted the scary couple of days after learning he had a type of strep infection and perhaps even the dangerous and antibiotic-resistant strain known as MRSA.

Heat lean on Big 3 to top Sixers
They've been the ''Big 3'' from the moment they signed in Miami last summer, and they'll stay that way for the rest of their Heat tenure.

Wade, LeBron too much for 76ers as Heat romp
Dwyane Wade scored 39 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, LeBron James finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds of his own, and the Miami Heat went on two huge scoring runs to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 111-99 on Friday night.

Wade, James combine for 71 in Heat's win (AP)
One huge run got the Miami Heat back into the game. A second one put it away. And a historic statline from Dwyane Wade certainly didn't hurt the cause, either. Wade finished 39 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and five blocks -- an effort matched only by Shaquille O'Neal in the last 25 seasons, according to STATS LLC -- and the Heat pulled away down the stretch to beat the Philadelphia...

Heat point guard Mario Chalmers still recovering from knee sprain
Miami Heat starting point guard Mario Chalmers said Friday that his return to the lineup from a knee injury might take a week longer than expected.

Joel Anthony of Miami Heat cleared to play despite broken nose
The Heat's Joel Anthony remains cleared to play in Wednesday night's game against the Pistons despite fracturing his nose in two places.

Heat open 4th with 15-0 run, top Pistons (AP)

Dwyane Wade scored 24 points and Chris Bosh added 23 to help the Miami Heat rally for a 100-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. LeBron James had 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Miami, which has won six of seven following a five-game losing streak. The Heat trailed by 11 late in the third quarter before Mike Miller made a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Heat rally past Pistons to win sixth in last seven
Dwyane Wade scored 24 points and Chris Bosh added 23 to help the Miami Heat rally for a 100-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Heat rally in fourth to down Pistons
Dwyane Wade scored 24 points and Chris Bosh added 23 to help the Miami Heat rally for a 100-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Nuggets PG Felton won't face Raptors (AP)
Nuggets guard Raymond Felton says he won't play against the Toronto Raptors due to a sprained left ankle. Denver also will be without guard Arron Afflalo (left hamstring) on Monday against Toronto. Felton, who was acquired in the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks last month, tweaked his ankle at Orlando last Friday and sat out the next night in Miami.

Miami, Denver finding different paths to success
Despite loss to Heat, new-look Nuggets are still headed in right direction.

Mario Chalmers of Miami Heat expected to miss up to two weeks with sprained knee
Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers is expected to miss up to two weeks after spraining his right knee.

Chalmers out for expected two weeks
Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers is expected to miss up to two weeks after spraining his right knee.

Chalmers injured, Heat hold off Nuggets (AP)

Mike Bibby came to Miami to provide veteran leadership. The Heat soon may be asking him for much more. LeBron James scored 33 points, Dwyane Wade had 32 and Miami never trailed during a 103-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Chris Bosh finished with his fifth straight double-double, 18 points and 11 rebounds.

James, Wade each top 30 as Heat stop Nuggets
LeBron James scored 33 points, Dwyane Wade had 32 and the Miami Heat never trailed during a 103-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Mario Chalmers of Miami Heat injures right knee vs. Denver Nuggets
The Miami Heat may be without starting point guard Mario Chalmers for a significant period of time.

Raymond Felton, Zydrunas Ilgauskas sit out as Denver Nuggets face Miami Heat
Raymond Felton missed Denver's game in Miami on Saturday night with a sprained left ankle.

Nuggets PG Felton out against Heat (AP)
Raymond Felton is out for Denver's game at Miami, hampered by a sprained left ankle. Felton was injured in the final minute of Denver's loss at Orlando on Friday. The guard is averaging 10.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 11 games since being traded to the Nuggets, all coming off the bench.

Heat host Nuggets in Miami
The Miami Heat try to build on last victory while taking on Denver Nuggets at home.

LeBron, D-Wade carry Heat past Nuggets
LeBron James scored 33 points, Dwyane Wade had 32 and the Miami Heat never trailed during a 103-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Tim James to be honored by Miami Heat
Center court. All eyes on him. Fans coming to their feet in a raucous ovation, the din drowning out all other sounds in the arena.

Rested Spurs bounce back, beat Mavericks (AP)

Tony Parker scored 33 points, Manu Ginobili had 25 and Tim Duncan added 22, lifting the San Antonio Spurs to a 97-91 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Playing for the first time since losing to Miami by 30 on Monday night, the Spurs looked hungry and rested from the start, jumping ahead by 18 early in the second quarter.

LeBron's dominant 3rd quarter helps Heat romp
LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night.

James scores 43 as Heat pound Hawks (AP)

LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night. Chris Bosh had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 14 points as Miami rolled to the runaway win in its first visit of the season to Atlanta. James made 16 of 21 shots, including five 3-pointers.

LeBron goes wild during win over Hawks
LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night.

Thunder look every bit like a contender
Oklahoma City Thunder look like legitimate contenders after easily defeating Miami Heat.

Staunch Thunder frustrate Heat to win 5 straight
Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 18 and the Oklahoma City Thunder frustrated Miami's offense all night on the way to a 96-85 win over the Heat on Wednesday night.

Thunder stifle Heat, win streak now 5 (AP)

Oklahoma City had one of its worst shooting nights of the season. The way the Thunder played defense, hardly anyone noticed. Except the Miami Heat, that is. Kevin Durant scored 29 points on 12 for 21 shooting, Russell Westbrook added 18 and the Thunder frustrated Miami's offense all night on the way to a 96-85 victory over the Heat on Wednesday night.

Durant, Thunder halt Heat's win streak
Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 18 and the Oklahoma City Thunder frustrated Miami's offense all night on the way to a 96-85 win over the Heat on Wednesday night.

Heat not swept up by latest good play (AP)
When the Miami Heat were teetering on the brink of their season slipping away a week ago, coach Erik Spoelstra implored his team to ignore the noise. Three wins later, the same rule applies. Even a 30-point romp over NBA-leading San Antonio -- the Spurs' worst regular-season loss since April 2005 -- was not worth a Heat celebration.

Miami Heat's LeBron James picks Ohio State in his NCAA tournament bracket
Here's the first lock of the NCAA tournament: LeBron James has Ohio State winning the national title.

Udonis Haslem of Miami Heat works out on practice court, continues rehab
Heat forward Udonis Haslem took part in shooting drills on the Heat's practice court Tuesday.

Heat avenge loss to Spurs, win 110-80 (AP)

For the Miami Heat, there was symmetry in the turnabout. Lose by 30 in San Antonio, win by 30 in Miami. Chris Bosh scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored 29 and the Miami Heat avenged their worst loss of the season by rolling past the NBA-leading Spurs 110-80 on Monday night. LeBron James finished with 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Heat, who have won three...

Bosh, Heat pay back Spurs with 30-point romp
Chris Bosh scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored 29 and the Miami Heat avenged their worst loss of the season by rolling past the NBA-leading San Antonio Spurs 110-80 Monday night.

Heat return favor to NBA-best Spurs
For the Miami Heat, there was symmetry in the turnabout.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas of Miami Heat out of hospital, but will sit vs. San Antonio Spurs
Miami Heat center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is expected to miss Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs after being released from a Miami hospital Sunday following treatment for a foot infection.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat wins custody battle for his 2 sons
Dwyane Wade has been awarded custody of his two sons, ending a long legal fight with his ex-wife.

Lakers' Jackson: Cuban's mouth cost Mavs (AP)
Phil Jackson and Mark Cuban just can't help themselves. Either the Los Angeles Lakers coach or the Dallas Mavericks owner seemingly always has a jab for the other one, especially when their teams play. Before the Lakers played in Dallas on Saturday night, Jackson said he believes the outspoken owner's criticism of referees might have cost the Mavericks the 2006 NBA finals against the Miami...

Wade's blocks spark Heat rout of Memphis (AP)

In less than a minute, Dwyane Wade set the tone for the Miami Heat. Wade blocked four shots in a dazzling 55-second span shortly after tip-off, and the Heat wound up rolling past the Memphis Grizzlies 118-85 on Saturday, their biggest margin of victory since Dec. 27, 2009. It was one of Miami's top defensive displays of the season, holding the Grizzlies to 39 percent shooting and forcing Memphis...

Heat smoke Grizzlies to close on East's top spot
Dwyane Wade had 28 points and nine assists, LeBron James scored 27 points while taking the fourth quarter off, and the Miami Heat ran away early to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-85 on Saturday.

Take that: Heat pound Grizzlies
Dwyane Wade had 28 points and nine assists, LeBron James scored 27 points while taking the fourth quarter off, and the Miami Heat ran away early to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-85 on Saturday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant talks about postgame shooting session after loss to Miami Heat, other topics
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant didn't know that a guy shooting alone in an empty gym could generate so much attention when he went back out to the court in Miami following the Lakers' loss to the Heat on Thursday.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas of Miami Heat out with infected foot
Miami Heat center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will miss the team's Saturday afternoon home game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Kobe responds to loss by getting to work
Here's how Kobe Bryant responded to the Lakers' 94-88 loss at Miami on Thursday night: He worked out on the Heat's home court until Friday morning.

Kobe costs Lakers in many ways in Miami
Kobe thinks his shooting cost the Lakers in Miami. He's wrong.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat responds to Stan Van Gundy's comments
Dwyane Wade has a message for former coach Stan Van Gundy and anyone else who is criticizing the Heat for how they've handled their recent struggles.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will not be removed, Pat Riley says
These have been difficult times for the floundering Miami Heat, but the team isn't desperate enough to remove Erik Spoelstra as coach, team president Pat Riley said.

Wade, Bosh help Heat snap skid, Lakers' streak
Chris Bosh scored 24 points, Dwyane Wade added 20 and the Miami Heat snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 94-88 on Thursday night, clinching a playoff spot.

Heat end 5-game skid, Lakers' 8-game run (AP)

The first chore for the Miami Heat is done: They're in the playoffs. That's no surprise. Snapping a five-game slide by beating the NBA's hottest team to get there, well, that might not have been what everyone saw coming. Chris Bosh scored 24 points, Dwyane Wade added eight of his 20 in the fourth quarter and the Heat ended their losing streak by beating the two-time defending NBA...

Heat beat Lakers to snap five-game skid
Chris Bosh scored 24 points, Dwyane Wade added eight of his 20 in the fourth quarter and the Heat ended their losing streak by beating the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 94-88 on Thursday night, the earliest Miami has secured a postseason bid in franchise history.

Los Angeles Lakers' Phil Jackson doesn't like Miami Heat's style of play
Phil Jackson has another thought on the Miami Heat: He doesn't like how they play.

Nightclub drops James from lawsuit (AP)
An Atlanta nightclub has dismissed a lawsuit against Miami Heat star LeBron James. The Opera nightclub had filed a complaint Monday in Fulton County Superior Court accusing James of canceling a March 17 appearance for which he was supposed to be paid $25,000. It also accused the owners of the rival Gold Room nightclub in Atlanta of instead arranging a visit there.

Lakers' Jackson no fan of Heat's style (AP)
Phil Jackson has another thought on the Miami Heat: He doesn't like how they play. Speaking Thursday before his Los Angeles Lakers visited Miami, Jackson likened the way the Heat play to an Xbox video game and said they rely too much on 1-on-1 basketball. "I'm not a big fan of the style that Miami plays," Jackson said.

LeBron James of Miami Heat sued by Atlanta nightclub for backing out of appearance
An Atlanta nightclub is suing Miami Heat star LeBron James, accusing him of reneging on a promise to make a one-hour appearance later this month.

Los Angeles Lakers' Phil Jackson softens on Miami Heat, says they'll work it out
Phil Jackson softens on the Heat and thinks they can still win a championship.

Erik Spoelstra dismisses Chris Bosh's comments on role in offense
As the Miami Heat attempted to pick up the pieces following their fifth straight loss and prepare for the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, coach Erik Spoelstra all but dismissed Chris Bosh's statements about wanting more low-post plays.

Lakers look to run Heat's slide to 6 (AP)
It has come to this: Even Phil Jackson is offering a sympathetic word to the reeling Miami Heat. The coach of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers has taken plenty of jabs at the Heat in recent months, over everything from how this roster was put together, Erik Spoelstra's job security, and this week the already-infamous episode dubbed "Crygate." So on Wednesday, with...

Spoelstra: We'll look at everything, A to Z
Erik Spoelstra talks with Sun Sports about Miami's 105-96 loss to Portland, saying he'll look into everything "A to Z" to reverse the slide.

Something to cry about: Heat drop 5th in a row
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, Gerald Wallace scored 22 and the Portland Trail Blazers sent Miami to its fifth straight loss, beating the Heat 105-96 Tuesday night.

Blazers send Heat to fifth straight loss (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge proved LeBron James right. The Miami Heat could have done without that confirmation. Shortly after James called Aldridge one of the top All-Star "snubs" in NBA history, he scored 26 points and led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 105-96 win over Miami -- sending the Heat to their fifth straight loss.

Atlanta nightclub sues Heat star James (AP)
An Atlanta nightclub is suing Miami Heat star LeBron James, accusing him of reneging on a promise to make a one-hour appearance later this month. The Opera nightclub's complaint filed Monday in Fulton County Superior Court says James canceled a March 17 appearance for which he was supposed to be paid $25,000.

Chat with Bill Reiter and Billy Witz
Chat with our Lakers and Heat writers about Thursday's matchup in Miami.

Blazers' McMillan gets 2-year extension (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers and coach Nate McMillan have agreed to a two-year contract extension. McMillan is in his sixth season as coach of the Blazers. He has a 234-239 record with the team, which plays at Miami on Tuesday night. McMillan has taken the Blazers to the playoffs twice in his tenure. In 2008-09 he guided Portland to a share of the Northwest Division title and its first postseason...

Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat address talk of tears
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the widespread reaction to comments he made about tears being shed in his team's locker room after Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls is a crying shame.

Spoelstra trying to clear up 'Crygate' (AP)
Having LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh together was supposed to be the Miami Heat formula for many championships. And it might. Someday. Right now, it isn't. With the playoffs a little more than a month away, time is running out. So maybe it was fitting that Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had his back to the wall of Miami's practice court Monday when trying his best to clear up...

Celtics sign former Heat PG Arroyo (AP)
The Boston Celtics have signed Carlos Arroyo for the rest of the season after the guard was released by the Miami Heat. Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that Arroyo will join the team on Monday. Arroyo will be expected to provide veteran depth and shore up the guard position for a group that's missing five players.

Celtics add Arroyo for rest of season
The Boston Celtics have signed Carlos Arroyo for the rest of the season after the guard was released by the Miami Heat.

Bulls complete sweep as Heat lose 4th straight
Derrick Rose scored 27 points, Luol Deng capped an 18-point effort with two free throws that put Chicago ahead for good, and the Bulls beat Miami 87-86 on Sunday to hand the Heat their fourth straight loss.

Bulls deal Heat fourth straight loss (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 27 points, Luol Deng capped an 18-point effort with two free throws that put Chicago ahead for good, and the Bulls beat Miami 87-86 on Sunday to hand the Heat their fourth straight loss. Carlos Boozer scored 12 and Joakim Noah added 11 for the Bulls, who moved a game ahead of Miami into outright possession of second place in the Eastern Conference and beat the Heat for the...

Parker returns as Spurs pummel skidding Heat
Manu Ginobili scored 20 points, Tony Parker made a surprise return to the starting lineup and the San Antonio Spurs handed the skidding Miami Heat their most lopsided loss of the season, 125-95 on Friday night.

Spurs rout Heat 125-95 as Parker returns (AP)

Manu Ginobili scored 20 points, Tony Parker made a surprise return to the starting lineup and the San Antonio Spurs handed the skidding Miami Heat their most lopsided loss of the season, 125-95 on Friday night. In the first meeting between these NBA heavyweights, the Spurs (51-11) improved the league's best record and kept the Heat in a tailspin.

Spurs' Parker returns early, faces Heat (AP)
Spurs point guard Tony Parker will start against the Miami Heat, returning from a sore calf muscle much sooner than expected. Parker's surprise return puts the NBA-best Spurs at full strength for Friday night's game against the LeBron James and the Miami Heat. The Spurs had projected that Parker could miss up to a month after straining his left calf in a win over Memphis on Sunday.

Quick healer: San Antonio Spurs PG Tony Parker likely to play Friday vs. Miami Heat
Tony Parker is expected to play Friday night against the Miami Heat, just five days after suffering a strained left calf in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Spurs' Parker back in lineup vs. Heat
Spurs point guard Tony Parker will start against the Miami Heat, returning from a sore calf muscle much sooner than expected.

Mike Bibby has first practice with Miami Heat after signing
Mike Bibby admits he's trying to buy happiness with the Miami Heat by forfeiting guaranteed money to join a title contender.

Magic rally from 24 down to stun Heat (AP)

Another big lead, another big collapse. It's becoming a trend for the Miami Heat -- and one the Orlando Magic were more than thrilled to exploit Thursday night. Down by 24 points in the third quarter, the Magic went on an unbelievable 40-9 run over the next 15 minutes and stunned the Heat 99-96, the second-largest comeback in Orlando franchise history and matching the second-biggest in the NBA...

Heat finalize deal with PG Bibby (AP)
Mike Bibby signed with the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, the deal being finalized quickly after the 13-year veteran point guard cleared waivers and became a free agent. Bibby is expected to be with the Heat when they host Orlando on Thursday. Heat president Pat Riley says the signing moves Miami "into the direction of our championship dreams." His signing is not a surprise.

LeBron James gives more "Decision" profits to charity
LeBron James' "Decision" is paying off for more than the Miami Heat.

James camp spreading 'Decision' wealth (AP)
LeBron James' "Decision" is paying off for more than the Miami Heat. His foundation has started delivering 1,000 computers to 59 different Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, beginning with an event in Miami on Wednesday. It's part of the commitment James made last summer, when his hourlong special in which he said he was joining the Heat raised more than $3 million for charity.

Forward Troy Murphy picks Boston Celtics over Miami Heat
Troy Murphy will sign with the Celtics over the Heat.

Riley is the Godfather for Heat
Pat Riley as Don Corleone? For Miami, it's a family business.

Heat part ways with Carlos Arroyo
The Miami Heat expect to sign point guard Mike Bibby once he clears waivers on Wednesday, and cleared a spot for the veteran by parting ways with Carlos Arroyo.

Report: F Murphy decides to join Celtics (AP)
Free-agent forward Troy Murphy has decided to join the Boston Celtics over the Miami Heat, ESPN.com reported on Tuesday. Murphy, 30, was traded from the New Jersey Nets to the Golden State Warriors last week, but was then bought out of his contract. Once a free agent, he spent the next few days mulling several offers, most notably from Boston and Miami.

Miami Heat expect to sign Mike Bibby, cut Carlos Arroyo loose
The Miami Heat expect to sign point guard Mike Bibby once he clears waivers on Wednesday, and cleared a spot for the veteran by parting ways with Carlos Arroyo.

Sources: Golden State Warriors buy out Troy Murphy; contenders show interest
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have emerged as the leaders to sign forward Troy Murphy, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com.

Bulls maul Wizards to pull within game of Heat
Luol Deng and Derrick Rose scored 21 points apiece, Joakim Noah had 19, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Washington Wizards 105-77 Monday night to move within a game of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls top Wizards, within 1 game of Heat (AP)

Luol Deng and Derrick Rose scored 21 points apiece, Joakim Noah had 19, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Washington Wizards 105-77 Monday night to move within a game of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls never trailed as they won their third straight and seventh in eight games. Rose brought out some oohs and aahs with a backward between-the-legs pass to Noah for a fast-break dunk,...

Miller OK to resume playing for Heat
Miami Heat swingman Mike Miller has been cleared to play after missing four games following several blows to the head.

Amare's block helps Knicks stun Heat (AP)

With the game on the line, LeBron James got past Carmelo Anthony. Not Amare Stoudemire, however. And just like that, the New York Knicks -- with defense, no less -- knocked off the Miami Heat. Chauncey Billups made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:01 left, Stoudemire blocked James' layup try with 7 seconds remaining to protect a one-point lead, and the Knicks beat the Heat 91-86 on Sunday night.

New-look Knicks battle back to knock off Heat
Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points, Amare Stoudemire added 16 points and a huge blocked shot against LeBron James with 7 seconds left, and the New York Knicks stunned the Miami Heat 91-86 on Sunday night.

Heat's Big Three battle Knicks' Big Three in Miami
LeBron vs. 'Melo. Heat vs. Knicks. Who's a contender and who's a pretender?

Mike Miller of Miami Heat to make return Sunday vs. New York Knicks
Heat swingman Mike Miller has been cleared to play after missing four games following several blows to the head.

Miami, NY, NBA will learn a lot Sunday
A load of talent will be on display Sunday. But is that enough to win it all?

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (elbow) says he'll play Sunday vs. Miami Heat
Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was limited in practice by a sore right elbow, though he said he would "absolutely" play Sunday night against the Miami Heat.

Knicks' Anthony says he'll play vs. Heat (AP)
Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was limited in practice by a sore right elbow, though said he would "absolutely" play Sunday night against the Miami Heat. Anthony participated in the Knicks' Saturday workout in Miami, though only shot with his left hand. He says the injury "flared up" during Friday's loss at Cleveland.

Mike Bibby uncertain for Friday debut with Washington Wizards
Mike Bibby's availability for Washington's game in Miami on Friday is unclear, with the veteran guard saying some paperwork still needs to be completed following his trade from Atlanta.

Wizards may not have Bibby vs. Heat (AP)
Mike Bibby's availability for Washington's game in Miami on Friday is unclear, with the veteran guard saying some paperwork still needs to be completed following his trade from Atlanta. Bibby was with the Wizards for their Friday morning shootaround practice, but only watched from the sideline.

Wade drops 41 as Heat outduel Wall, Wizards
Dwyane Wade scored 41 points, LeBron James added 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and the Miami Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Washington Wizards 121-113 on Friday night.

Wade's 41, James' 25 get Heat by Wizards (AP)

This was supposed to be the easy game for the Miami Heat, the one respite in a brutal 13-game stretch where every other opponent is a playoff contender. It turned out to be quite the challenge. Dwyane Wade scored 41 points, LeBron James added 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and the Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Washington Wizards 121-113 on Friday night.

Wade's 41 lead Heat over lowly WIzards
Dwyane Wade scored 41 points, LeBron James added 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and the Miami Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Washington Wizards 121-113 on Friday night.

Rose, Deng lead Bulls over Heat 93-89 (AP)

From his spot in the corner, Luol Deng saw Dwyane Wade rotate to stop Derrick Rose and knew his moment was coming. He was all alone, wide open. Then, in a flash, he was celebrating and so was just about everyone else in the arena. Deng buried the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and finished with 20 points, Rose scored 26 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 93-89 on Thursday night in...

Rose sets up late Deng 3 as Bulls edge Heat
Derrick Rose scored 26 points and Luol Deng added 20, including the tiebreaking 3, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 93-89 on Thursday night in a wild showdown between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Healthy Bulls and Heat square off in Chicago
Chicago's starting five is finally healthy, but so is Miami's.

Rose, Deng lead Bulls over Heat
Derrick Rose scored 26 points and Luol Deng added 20, including the tiebreaking 3, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 93-89 on Thursday night in a wild showdown between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Mike Miller will sit out for Miami Heat due to ear infection
Miami Heat forward Mike Miller will miss Thursday's game at Chicago because of an ear infection, sidelining him for a third straight game.

Heat's Miller out with ear infection
Miami forward Mike Miller will miss the matchup against Chicago because of an ear infection, sidelining him for a third straight game.

Miami Heat's Chris Bosh likes Derrick Rose over LeBron James for MVP
Like his Miami Heat teammate Juwan Howard, Chris Bosh says that if he had a vote for the MVP award he would vote for the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, instead of his own teammate LeBron James.

Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard says he would pick Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose as MVP
Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard did not take the easy way out Wednesday when saying Derrick Rose deserved MVP honors over his teammate LeBron James at this point in the season.

LeBron James of Miami Heat s