Heat, LeBron flatten Pistons; on to Cleveland

MIAMI » And to think Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was worried that the looming distractions of the ultra-hyped game in Cleveland would take away from Miami's focus yesterday.

Not a problem.

LeBron James scored 18 points, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade each scored 16 and the Heat rolled past the Detroit Pistons 97-72, dominating the second half with defense.

Next up: James' homecoming of sorts in Cleveland today.

"It's going to be emotional for myself, going back to Cleveland to the fans that I still love to this day," James said. "Lot of great memories, but I've got to try to put that in the back of my mind, understand that we're coming in to get a win, and play hard and try to get a 'W.' "

Said Wade: "This family, his new family, has his back and loves him truly and dearly. And we want nothing but great things for him. So we're going to try to go out there and get another win. We want to win three games in a row and it's a special game for our brother ... and we're all going to play hard for him."

Play like it did last night, and Miami will be fine.

"We can start thinking about tomorrow now," Bosh said. "We did a good job just blocking it out and taking care of tonight."

It was Miami's second-stingiest defensive showing of the season, only bettered by holding Orlando to 70 points on Oct. 29. The Pistons shot just 36 percent, and no Detroit starter reached double figures.

Notes

» Atlanta Hawks' four-time all-star Joe Johnson, who signed a six-year deal worth almost $124 million before the season, will need surgery to remove a "loose body" in his right elbow and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

» Shane Battier scored 11 of his 17 points in the final 3 minutes as Houston handed the Los Angeles Lakers their fourth loss in a row, 109-99.

» Blake Griffin had 31 points and 13 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers ended an 18-game skid against the San Antonio Spurs, 90-85.