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Wade returns, Heat hold off Bobcats

Apr 9, 2011 - 3:46 AM Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each scored 27 points, as the Miami Heat fought off the Charlotte Bobcats, 112-103.

Wade, who missed Wednesday's loss to Milwaukee with a thigh injury, attempted a staggering 16 free throws and hit 15 of Miami's 31 makes from the foul line, while Bosh pulled down 10 rebounds for the victors.

"I was just being aggressive," Wade said. "I did have a little fatigue from being out a couple days. While I am out there I just want to work as hard as possible."

LeBron James chipped in 23 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for Miami, which is still tied with the Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The two teams will square off in Boston on Sunday.

Garrett Temple scored 14 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, but the Bobcats couldn't overcome a double-digit deficit en route to a fifth straight loss. Kwame Brown scored a season-high 23 points to go with 13 rebounds in defeat.

Charlotte was eliminated from postseason contention earlier this week, but still had some fight left despite trailing, 83-69, going into the final frame.

Temple connected from outside the arc on three straight possessions to get Charlotte within 91-83 with 8 1/2 minutes remaining.

Two Temple free throws pulled the Bobcats within 99-92, and D.J. White's tip- in cut it to 104-98 with 1:29 showing.

After trading buckets, James found Bosh inside for an easy deuce. Temple made just 1-of-2 free throws at the other end, and Miami held on from there.

"If you give the effort that we gave ... and play with that kind of dedication, it is a good thing we can build on," Bobcats head coach Paul Silas said. "We are going to be good. We really are."

Miami led 31-25 at the end of the first quarter and used as 12-2 run late in the second to push the margin to double digits.

James drove in for two to cap the run for a 53-40 lead, and Miami held a 55-44 advantage at halftime.

Wade scored 13 third-quarter points to keep the Bobcats at bay.

Game Notes

Charlotte's Gerald Henderson, coming off a career-high 32-point performance in an overtime loss to Orlando on Wednesday, had just four points in 2-of-6 shooting...Miami swept the season series.