MILWAUKEE - There it was in the visitor's locker room, written seven times on Miami's white board: "Road warriors".

The Heat thrived in the rowdy atmosphere in Cleveland on Thursday, and just kept rolling in their next road game in Milwaukee.

Dwyane Wade had 25 points and a career-high 14 rebounds back in the city where his career took off and the Heat beat the Bucks 88-78 on Monday night for their fifth straight win.

"We understand that it takes defense to win," Wade said. "Especially on the road, not only defense, but rebounding the ball. I think we did a great job tonight of team rebounding."

LeBron James added 17 points and Chris Bosh had 16 points and 12 rebounds as Miami used a 17-2 run in the first half to take control, then weathered a late scoring drought before James, Wade and Bosh hit clutch shots in the closing minutes of the opener of a four-game road trip.

"It doesn't really matter what we do, if we lose, everyone (says) it doesn't work. If we win, they should be doing it," said Wade, who had 26 points in Miami's 89-77 home win against Atlanta on Saturday night. "Everyone talks about the Miami Heat, they're always comparing us to teams like Boston, Orlando, the Lakers, but those teams have been playing together for over 300 games. We've played together, what, 20 something games? We've got a long way to go."

Corey Maggette scored 20 points for the Bucks, but Milwaukee can't seem to figure out any team with James on the roster.

Since coach Scott Skiles and general manager John Hammond took over the organization, they are 0-8 against James' teams, only winning once when James sat out a game with the Cavaliers.

Wade's three-point play gave Miami a seemingly comfortable 74-61 lead early in the fourth, but the Heat stumbled down the stretch with four missed shots and four turnovers during a 4 1/2-minute scoreless stretch.

Associated Press

(China Daily 12/08/2010 page24)