MIAMI _ It was just one game, and the Miami Heat are ready to move on.
Before the euphoria of Tuesday night's victory against the Philadelphia 76ers wears off, however, they want it to at least provide momentum as they continue their run at a spot in the playoffs.
"We hope so, man," guard Dwyane Wade said. "It was one game. It was a very emotional win. But it's just one game. We want to continue to get better."
Wade scored 27 points, including the winning basket in the closing seconds against the Sixers. The Heat look to continue the magic against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Wade said the victory over Philadelphia was more than just a win. It could have an even bigger impact when it comes to team morale.
"We got a different team coming in that plays a different style," Wade said. "So we take them one game at a time and the good thing about this team is we got multiple guys that played good last night and if we continue to get that and we continue to get multiple guys playing well, then we got a real good chance. Coach is going to play nine to 10 guys and that just gives us an opportunity to go out on the floor and give everything we have individually."
The fact Wade hit the winning shot makes the win carry extra weight. After being acquired at the trading deadline, his presence has already boosted energy among teammates and fans.
"We've brought in guys before but certainly not with this context," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Our building was alive (Tuesday) night, and that's because of No. 3 putting that jersey on. I don't care what other jersey he puts on ... he just somebody totally different in this city, in front of these Heat fans, with that jersey on. He's just absolutely special in that uniform."
Naturally, the performance brought back memories from season's past. Still, Wade insists it wasn't a visit to the fountain of the youth. It was just him getting better adjusted to playing in the older years of his career.
"Nah. I just had a good performance that I haven't had in a while and I was back in my environment and felt comfortable," Wade said. "It definitely felt good to see that shot go in. I've shot a lot of them. I've hit a lot early in my career and then I went through a lull where I wasn't hitting a lot. So it definitely felt good to see that ball go in last night. But no fountain of nothing, just Dwyane Wade playing basketball in the comfort zone and getting an opportunity to do it back here."
A stronger commitment to conditioning has played a role in Wade's resurgence. During his first stint with the Heat, he was often the player in the best shape on the team and now the plan is return to form. After 1{ seasons away with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, Wade is working his way back toward that.
He said he is closing in on being in "Miami Heat" shape.
"I'm definitely taking steps in the direction," Wade said. "Still got a lot of work to do, but definitely been working hard. When you put the work in, even when you get tired in games you just keep pushing through because you know you put the work in."
He said it's only a matter of time before he reaches a comfort level.
"I'm not there yet," Wade said. "It was what my sixth game last night? It's going to take me a little while to get there. I thought I played 35 minutes last night. I looked and it was 25. But I definitely have put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to get to that point and I'll be getting better as the year goes on."
