MIAMI, (Reuters) – All-Star guard Dwyane Wade hit 25 points and sat out the fourth quarter as the Miami Heat cruised past the Orlando Magic 104-86 on Thursday.
Miami led by 15 after the first quarter and enjoyed a 10-0 run at the end of the third to take a commanding 89-60 advantage, meaning Wade’s evening could end early.
“I love nights like that,” Wade told reporters after watching from the bench as his team mates cruised to victory.
“The biggest thing is to play with a lot of energy. I just want more consistent play myself as well.”
Forward Michael Beasley contributed 22 points and eight rebounds, with Quentin Richardson and Dorell Wright pitching in with 11 points each, as the Heat (13-11) beat the Magic for the second time in as many meetings this year.
“The purity and business-like attitude we’ve had in the last three days has been solid,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after the team had a meeting on Monday to discuss their poor form.
“It’s been a product of our energy, urgency and focus. Sometimes, you have to sequester yourself.”
Wade, who becomes a free agent after the season closes, made 10 of 17 shots and added seven assists in his three quarters of work as the Heat moved within five games of the Magic and South East division leaders the Atlanta Hawks.
The loss for Orlando (19-7), the defending Eastern Conference champions, was their third in five matches with Dwight Howard top-scoring with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Orlando shot just 9-for-28 in three-point attempts and managed only 12 assists in the lopsided defeat.
