Riley Hasn’t Turned Off Heat Yet

One regular-season race remains for the Miami Heat.

The NBA’s most improved team clinched its first Atlantic Division title Thursday night with a 93-83 victory over Detroit, but Miami still is chasing the Utah Jazz. Coach Pat Riley wants home-court advantage in case his Heat plays the Jazz in the NBA finals.

If the Chicago Bulls object to such a scenario, they’ll have to take it up with Riley later.

“This team has an edge, and I don’t want to lose it,” Riley said. “We’re going to take a shot at the second-best record in the league.”

A victory Thursday over Detroit left Miami half a game behind Utah. Only the Bulls have a better record.

For that reason, Riley said, the final five games of the regular season still matter. Miami plays host to the New York Knicks today.

“I think it’s going to be a hot game,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “Now maybe all those Knick fans will be Heat fans.”