April 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

John Wall and the Wizards came to town and stole an 86-84 victory. Wall put on quite a performance: 13 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Nene scored the game-winning layup with half a second left on the clock.

Injury Concern

LeBron James and Chris Bosh got the night off, while Dwyane Wade started without finishing the game. Wade dislocated his left index finger on his non-shooting hand, when it got caught in a jersey. He played 3 minutes before departing, and Washington took advantage with a win in Miami.

Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller teamed up for 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Heat had the edge on the boards, but they turned the ball over 21 times and picked up 2 technical fouls (Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman).

For the Wizards, Kevin Seraphin hit 17 while Nene and Cartier Martin provided a 33-point contribution off the bench.

Feb 11, 2011; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (left), small forward LeBron James (center), and shooting guard Dwyane Wade (right) sit on the bench in the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Miami defeated Detroit 106-92. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Wizards have played well this week and won 3 straight, all against Easter Conference playoff caliber teams in a spoiler role: Milwaukee (was battling for the 8th seed), Chicago and Miami (positioning for the top seed).

Chicago held home court against the reigning champion Mavericks tonight, winning 93-83. Derrick Rose returned and the victory appears to have locked up the #1 seed, while the Heat are destined for the second seed (like last postseason). So, when Miami plays at Washington in the season finale, that game probably won’t mean anything and the starters will get to rest.

In the meantime, the Heat will host Houston tomorrow and fly to Boston on Tuesday.

April 19, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) dunks past Chicago Bulls point guard C.J. Watson (7) during the second the half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

ECF Preview?

When you have two powerhouses colliding, it was only a matter of time until the tempers flared. The beasts in the East tried to keep their cool and play, but being elite defenses this game got physical. There was a lot of talking going on, some hard fouls, and a couple technicals. It was a playoff atmosphere and the intensity was the perfect way to end the season series. Miami is heating up, notching their 5th straight win and pulling within a game and a half for the top seed in the East. If both teams handle their business they will clash in the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF). Tonight Chris Bosh (rest) and Derrick Rose (foot) were sidelined.

April 19, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and Chicago Bulls point guard C.J. Watson (7) collide during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Quick Recap:

1st Quarter: LeBron James was dominant and Mario Chalmers got off to a hot start; Luol Deng and Joakim Noah kept the Bulls in reach.

2nd Quarter: Defensive struggle, John Lucas III hit a few jumpers. Udonis Haslem threw down a jam down the lane, assisted by James.

3rd Quarter: James got the offense back on track, Mike Miller hit a big 3; Taj Gibson gave the Bulls some life.

4th Quarter: Dwyane Wade was cold most of the night but he stepped up when needed and Shane Battier hit a timely 3-pointer. Miami contested shots defensively, locking down the Bulls to 2-16 from 3-point land. Both teams trapped and double-teamed a little bit, a strategy both used last postseason.

April 19, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) and Chicago Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton (32) exchange words during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Heat Stats

James: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists

Wade: 18 points, 5 assists, 3 steals

Chalmers: 16 points, 2 steals

Bulls Stats

Lucas III: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Noah: 15 points, 10 rebounds

Boozer: 10 points, 5 rebounds