Heat, Wade regroup after blowup, blowout

Posted: May 19, 2012

Hours after a shocking 94-75 loss in Game 3 to the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat canceled Friday's practice and media availability.

One day after they lost by 19 points and Dwyane Wade lost his cool, the Heat needed a short-term escape. They stayed inside their downtown Indianapolis hotel to recharge mentally and physically for Sunday's Game 4.

The team gave no reason for Friday's decision.

On Thursday night, while the Pacers were pulling away in the third quarter, Wade got into an ugly sideline exchange with coach Erik Spoelstra. Wade - who had just five points on 2-of-13 shooting - appeared to swear at his coach before brushing him aside. He was steered away from the coach's huddle by several teammates.

"We've got a lot of alpha males in this locker room," said veteran forward Udonis Haslem, who managed to settle down Wade. "Emotions get high. It's the playoffs."

Spoelstra tried to dismiss the confrontation with Wade following the game, but the damage was done and the sight of one of Miami's "Big Three" arguing with his coach raised questions about the Heat's future should they again fall short of a title.

"We're all connected," Spoelstra said. "Dwyane and I have been together for a long time, a long time. We've been through basically everything. A lot of different roles, a lot of different teams. That really is nothing. That type of fire, shoot, that's good.

Spurs clip Clippers again

San Antonio's Tony Parker kept the Spurs on pace Thursday night for another lopsided playoff sweep. Parker scored 22 points and Tim Duncan added 18 in the Spurs' 105-88 home win over the fading Los Angeles Clippers to take a two-games-to-one lead in their series. The win was their 16th playoff victory in a row with yet another blowout.

The Clippers now head home desperate to steer out of what's starting to get the feel of a sweep. Game 3 is Saturday, and Game 4 is on Sunday.

- Associated Press