In his first visit to Miami since playing the past 51/2 seasons for the Heat, Hardaway wasn't a major factor in the Mavericks' 104-94 victory over the Heat. But no one could tell by the large smile he was sporting as he addressed the media after the game.

Hardaway was just as giddy as forward Dirk Nowitzki, who broke out of a shooting slump with an 11-of-17 shooting performance that contributed to a game-high 33 points; he also grabbed 11 rebounds in collecting his second consecutive double-double. The ex-Heat point guard finished with only five points (2-of-7 shooting), two rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes.