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Heat Drops Pistons for 13th in Row

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From Associated Press

Dwyane Wade can take two items off his wish list: a triple-double and a victory over Detroit.

Wade had 31 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds Thursday night at Auburn Hills, Mich., to lead Miami past Detroit, 89-78, extending its franchise-record winning streak to 13 games.

“It feels good to get my first triple-double in the NBA because I got it out of the way and it shows you’re playing a team game,” Wade said. “And, it feels good to beat the Pistons because I haven’t done that in my young career.”

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Wade, in his second NBA season, dominated the Pistons with unstoppable drives, timely passes and rebounding. He made 12 of 18 shots from the field and seven of 10 free throws. Wade’s 10 rebounds matched a career high.

Shaquille O’Neal, slowed because of a sore back and ribs, had 21 points for the Heat.

O’Neal played with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles and Penny Hardaway in Orlando but said neither matched with Wade at this point in their careers.

“He’s the best second-year pupil that I’ve had,” O’Neal said. “I’ve raised two great ones in my NBA lifetime and this guy is the best in his second year.”

Miami, which last lost on Dec. 4, won 14 games in a month for the first time.

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Seattle 94, Atlanta 79 -- Ray Allen scored 20 points at Atlanta as the SuperSonics overcame the ejections of Jerome James and Danny Fortson.

Official Bob Delaney ejected James after giving the center his first technical foul with 7:14 left in the third quarter. James, called for an offensive foul, appeared to use an expletive as he looked at Delaney. With 6:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Fortson complained about contact on Seattle’s offensive end and was tossed by Delaney.

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Indiana 96, New Jersey 83 -- Jermaine O’Neal scored 31 points at East Rutherford, N.J., to lead the Pacers to their third victory in a row.

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Indiana spoiled the New Jersey home debut of Vince Carter, who led the Nets with 25 points, including two monster dunks that got the Nets’ first sellout crowd of the season out of its seats.

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San Antonio 114, Portland 80 -- Tim Duncan had 19 points and nine rebounds at Portland, Ore., as the Spurs handed the Trail Blazers their most lopsided loss of the season.

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