Wade outscores LeBron 31-30, Heat top Cavs in James' return

They embraced before the game and they embraced after the game. In between hugs, Dwyane Wade did just enough to edge LeBron James in their much-anticipated Christmas Day showdown.

Wade scored 31 points Thursday, putting the Miami Heat offense on his back for stretches. He shot 12-of-28 from the floor and kicked in five rebounds and five assists, but it's the 31 points that stand out, considering James finished with 30 for his Cleveland Cavaliers. James shot 9-of-16 and dished eight dimes with four rebounds, but it wasn't quite enough. He missed eight of his 18 free throws.

Even without Chris Bosh, the Heat were able to send the Miami crowd home happy with the 101-91 victory, an important bounce-back following an ugly loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Wade had a lot of assistance, with Luol Deng (25 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) playing his best game as a member of the Heat and Danny Granger (season-high nine points, seven rebounds) reminding everyone he still exists. James wasn't as fortunate, with his teammates combining to shoot only 41 percent.

Of course, it's James' return, more than the outcome, that people will remember. James was received warmly when introduced with the starters before the game (see the storyline below for more) and was given an impressive ovation when the Heat played him a video tribute in the first quarter.

Both friends were clearly fired up for the showdown, with Wade throwing down an impressive jam early and James getting a technical foul for celebrating a dunk later on.

James nearly didn't get to stick around for the game's conclusion, as he left for the locker room in the third quarter, citing left leg tightness after jumping into the crowd for a loose ball. he would return for the fourth and looked just fine the rest of the way.