(Recap from The Sports Network)
Miami, FL – LeBron James scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds, as the Miami Heat handled the Detroit Pistons, 97-72.
Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each added 16 points for the Heat, who improved to 9-3 at home this season. Bosh also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out four assists.
Miami has won three of four since a three-game skid.
Greg Monroe finished with 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench for the Pistons, who have lost three in a row and seven of nine overall. Charlie Villanueva tallied 10 points and six boards in a reserve role.
Detroit has struggled to a 2-9 record away from The Palace this season.
Ahead by one, 9-8, early on, Miami ripped off eight straight points. James’ jumper gave the Heat a 17-8 margin with 5:06 left in the opening quarter. James made a layup and hit a three-pointer moments later to make it a 24-12 game with 2:25 remaining.
Miami led 29-18 after 12 minutes of action, and outscored the Pistons, 25-24, in the second stanza to take a 54-42 lead into the locker room.
Ahead 58-46 early in the third, the Heat scored seven unanswered points to create some breathing room. Wade started the burst with a three-point play and James ended it with a slam for a 65-46 margin with 6:41 remaining.
It was 73-51 moving to the fourth and Miami cruised to the finish in the final frame.
Miami took two of three matchups from Detroit a season ago and has won six of the past seven meetings between the teams…The Pistons have lost five in a row on the road.