MIAMI -- Dwyane Wade not only played for the second straight day, he also led a fourth-quarter surge that helped the Miami Heat snap their three-game losing streak.
Wade scored 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, when Miami used a 12-0 run to take control en route to a 99-90 victory against the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
The Heat have played back-to-back games 12 times this season, and Wade played both ends for the third time -- and it was his most effective. The veteran clearly seems to be gaining strength in knees that have forced him to rest and sit out most of the 16 games he has missed this season.
Wade shot 8 of 17, had six assists and five rebounds in 33 minutes, 27 seconds. He scored at least 20 points for the seventh time in his last eight games. He had 25 points in Sunday's overtime loss at Chicago.
LeBron James scored 23 points and hit 10 of 15 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range. James shot 39 percent (23 of 59) on the three-game road trip following his 61-point performance last Monday against Charlotte.
Chris Bosh had 22 points and seven rebounds, and reserve Ray Allen contributed 13 points and 5-of-9 shooting (3 of 6 from long distance).
Center Greg Oden, also a victim of knee issues, was inactive for the Heat (44-17).
Marcin Gortat had 14 points and 18 rebounds for the Wizards, who beat Miami by 17 points on Jan. 15. Bradley Beal added 18 points for Washington (33-30).
Down 12 with 11:10 left in the third quarter, Washington fought back to tie the score at 73 heading into the fourth. Gortat had 10 points and seven rebounds in the third period.
James scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting to help Miami build a 53-45 halftime advantage.
The Heat led 31-23 after one quarter in which Washington had 11 offensive rebounds (of 16 total) to Miami's eight defensive rebounds.
THE TURNING POINT
Drew Gooden's layup gave Washington an 84-83 edge with 5:54 left. Following a timeout, Miami scored eight straight points to go ahead 91-84 with 4:24 remaining and force the Wizards to call a timeout.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Wade, did it all in the fourth quarter -- scoring, rebounding and assisting.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Heat shot 50 percent (40 of 80) from the floor and 47.6 precent (10-21) from 3-point range.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Heat continue a four-game homestand at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
You can follow Charlie McCarthy on Twitter @mccarthy_chas or email him at mac1763@bellsouth.net.
