NBA: Miami 105, Charlotte 82

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MIAMI, April 13 (UPI) -- LeBron James helped Miami jump to a quick start Friday and the Heat coasted to a 105-82 decision over Charlotte.

Miami took a 14-point lead after one period and the Bobcats could never make a run while losing for the 51st time in 58 games and for the 15th time in a row. The Heat moved within 3 1/2 games of Chicago for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Miami's Dwyane Wade sat out with a sore ankle, but the Heat shot 51 percent from the field and hit 15-of-17 from the foul line while posting the easy victory. Miami bounced back from an overtime loss to Chicago Thursday.

Chris Bosh added 18 points and Dexter Pittman had 16 for the Heat. Derrick Brown scored 21 points for the Bobcats.