Heat focused despite giant distraction ahead

MIAMI — So much for any worries about looking past the Detroit Pistons.

The Heat dominated from start to finish Wednesday night, cruising to a 97-72 win on the eve of LeBron James' return to Cleveland.

Any concern that angst over Thursday's game would cost the Heat against the Pistons turned out to be little more than background noise.

"That was the point about tonight," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "It was about tonight. And it was a very mature game on our part."

Said LeBron: "This isn't a young ballclub. We understand we have to live in the moment, play these games out and not focus on the next night."

If anything, the relief that this wasn't the Cleveland game seemed to take some of the edge out of the stress that's been building as the Heat's date with the Cavs has grown closer.

"Just the way the season has gone on, it's easy to block out what's happening the next day," Chris Bosh said. "We're really not in the front as far as standings are concerned, so we really have to pay attention to teams and pay attention to what we're doing at this time.

"I think that helps our focus."

Indeed, there was focus and balance from Miami, which had five players score in double figures. And for the second time in as many games, the Big Three played like it.

James had 18 points and 6 rebounds in 31 minutes. Bosh notched 16 points and 7 rebounds in 29 minutes. Dwyane Wade racked up 16 points in only 18 minutes.

More importantly, they played with an ease that was missing in some of their losses.

The Heat's defense was smothering. They held the Pistons to 36 percent shooting, including 26 percent from three-point range.

During a game that was never really in doubt, it seemed everyone — the fans, players, media members — was going through the motions and thinking about Thursday's showdown in Ohio. Because once the game ended, the focus quickly shifted.

"The biggest thing is to be consistent," Wade said. "We all have a lot of fun together getting ready for games. We just have to continue to keep it up, and keep (James') mind on basketball as much as possible.  It's going to be very emotional for him.

"This family, his new family, has his back," Wade said. "We love him."

Said LeBron: "This is what we do. Once we're on the court — it's easy to forget about everything else and focus on what you have to do next."

Yes, Detroit down. Cleveland to go, in an emotional homecoming for both LeBron and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

"Tomorrow, what that's all about for us, it's about family," Spoelstra said. "It's about taking care of two of our own."

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