The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-97, at FTX Arena on Thursday night.

The Wizards (10-5) came into the contest knowing they'd play without starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, a productive offseason addition that was getting the night off for rest. Going into a road matchup against an elite Heat (11-5) defense short-handed naturally put the visitors at a disadvantage, and that manifested itself in a 47-40 halftime deficit. Miami then helped ensure the final outcome during a third quarter that was the best offensively for either club, adding another six points to its advantage to set up a stress-free final period.

Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. Corey Kispert furnished 13 points and four rebounds. Montrezl Harrell supplied 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and four steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 20 points, nine boards and two assists. Gabe Vincent totaled 18 points, three assists and two rebounds. P.J. Tucker managed 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

The two teams reconvene for the back end of the home-and-home series in the nation's capital on Saturday night.