At this rate, the Hawks better be prepared for Dwyane Wade to go on a rebounding tear when the teams meet Friday in Atlanta.
After scoring a career-high 50 points in Sunday's loss at Orlando, Wade mixed it up and dropped a career-high 16 assists to help the Heat blow by the Pistons Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
If anyone in the league still doubts Wade's versatility, he's apparently making it a point to convert any non-believers. Along the way, the Heat regained its balance, with six players scoring in double figures. This was a crucial win for the Heat (30-26), which pulled to within two games of the Hawks for fourth place in the conference standings. Miami also cushioned its lead to two games over Detroit and Philly.
Player of the Game: Dwyane Wade - No explanation necessary. Just consider the numbers: 31 points on 11 of 20 shooting, 16 assists and seven rebounds. Somehow, I think he might be forgiven in Wednesday's film session for those six turnovers he scattered over the course of 42 minutes.
Surprise, Surprise: Daequan Cook - Snapped out of his post All-Star weekend slump with 16 points on 4 of 8 shooting from three-point range. The kid is looking like the reigning NBA 3-Point champion again. And it couldn't have come a second sooner for the Heat's taste. But Cook is going to feel that blow to the abdomen he took midway through the game.
Tough Night: Mario Chalmers - Another in a disturbing line of games in which the rookie point guard barely registered a pulse. He had two points, two assists and five fouls. Chalmers has been in foul trouble for about two months now, it seems. Fortunately, he had Wade that to pick up the slack. But the Heat might have cause to go out and get some help at the position.
Shut 'em Down: Rasheed Wallace - Once one of the most clutch-shooting big men in the game, Wallace is now just fading fast. He was 2 of 7 from the field, with six points and six rebounds. He also missed all three of his 3-point attempts.
Stat of the Night: 39 - That's 39 points off the Heat bench. Cook had 16, Michael Beasley chipped in 11 and Jamario Moon added 12. The trio also contributed 17 boards and two steals.
That Says it All: "It's hard to defend him when he's doing that. We're trying to double-team him, but I guess that didn't work." - Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey on Wade's performance.
Next Up: Friday - Heat at Hawks, 7:30 Philips Arena
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