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Bucks set for tough task in Miami

Jan 4, 2011 - 4:14 PM (Sports Network) - The Milwaukee Bucks open up a tough two-day tour of the Sunshine State in South Beach tonight when they face the sizzling Miami Heat.

The Bucks opened up 2011 by halting a two-game skid on Saturday when Earl Boykins returned from a one-game suspension and scored eight of his season- best 26 points in the final quarter, helping Milwaukee to a 99-87 win over a Dirk Nowitzki-less Dallas team and a season sweep of the Mavericks.

"In 2011 we're doing alright right now," Bucks forward Corey Maggette told the team's website. "Hopefully we can keep going, we have a few tough games ahead of us."

John Salmons ended with 21 points, while Ersan Ilyasova contributed 16 points and a career-high 17 rebounds for the Bucks. Milwaukee also beat the Mavs, 103-99, in Dallas on December 13 and this was the Bucks' first season series sweep of the Mavericks since the 2002-03 campaign.

Boykins, who didn't play in last Tuesday's game against the Chicago Bulls, was suspended for making intentional contact with an official.

"Tonight showed once again what we're capable of doing when we play with energy," Boykins said. "That's what we need every night."

Bucks forward Luc Mbah a Moute left Saturday's game with a mild concussion but has been cleared to play and should be ready to go tonight. Forward Drew Gooden (plantar fasciitis), guard Brandon Jennings (left foot surgery) and Carlos Delfino (strained neck) remain out, however.

The Heat, meanwhile, continue to roll and won for the 18th time in 19 games on Monday in Charlotte when LeBron James matched his season-high with 38 points and added nine rebounds as Miami recorded its 11th straight road win, topping the Bobcats, 96-82.

Dwyane Wade scored 31 and added 11 rebounds for the Heat, who have won six straight overall and are now just one-half game behind Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Chris Bosh contributed 11 points and four rebounds in the victory.

"They kind of took everything away from us the second half," said Bobcats interim head coach Paul Silas. "We didn't execute properly, threw the ball away. LeBron got hot, and that was it."

Monday's game marked the first time both James and Wade surpassed the 30-point barrier in the same game.

"I think we do a good job of playing off each other," said Wade. "This is what we envisioned and it's starting to come true."

Miami has topped Milwaukee two straight times, including an 88-78 win at Bradley Center back on Dec. 6.