No KO blow: Wade returns to lead Heat

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Finally, a close one in the Eastern Conference semifinals. And wouldn't you know it, Dwyane Wade gets knocked out of the game.

Fortunately for the Miami Heat, he bounced back as usual — then helped them win it.

Wade scored 30 points, half in the final 4 1/2 minutes, and added 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Miami Heat over the New Jersey Nets 103-92 on Friday night in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series.

Knocked out of the game briefly by an inadvertent elbow during a stretch when New Jersey was threatening to take control, Wade helped the Heat come back to win the first competitive game in the series and take a 2-1 lead.

"Very, very unique player," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "He makes it look real easy and I know how hard it has to be. He's just a blessing for us and this franchise."

Shaquille O'Neal added 19 points and nine rebounds, and Antoine Walker scored 16 points for the Heat.

Game 4 of the series is Sunday in New Jersey.

Vince Carter scored 43 points, but had a few costly turnovers in the fourth quarter that helped the Heat finally shake the Nets. Richard Jefferson added 17 points — none in the final period. Jason Kidd was also scoreless in the fourth, finishing with 10 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.

New Jersey was without key reserve Clifford Robinson, who was suspended five games by the NBA earlier Friday for violating the anti-drug policy. The news came as a tough surprise to the Nets, who learned of the penalty at around noon — after Robinson had already taken part in the morning shoot around.

The teams traded easy victories in Miami, but this one was close throughout. Neither team led by more than nine points until the final minute.

Carter gave New Jersey its last lead at 81-80 with just over 4 1/2 minutes left, but Wade answered with a three-point play to put Miami ahead for good at with 4:22 to play. Gary Payton followed with a steal and layup before Wade made four straight free throws to give the Heat an 89-81 lead with 3:13 remaining.

New Jersey couldn't get closer than six points again. Wade was 6-of-6 from the line and added another basket in the final minute.

The Heat led 56-49 early in the third quarter after O'Neal's alley-oop dunk, but Nenad Krstic made a basket and Carter scored four straight points to bring the Nets within one.