WASHINGTON -- Heat forward Michael Beasley admitted he was overcome as a rookie by distractions associated with returning to his hometown to play the Wizards.

So Beasley made a few adjustments during his first trip to Washington as a second-year player.

Beasley didn't hang out in his old neighborhoods before Wednesday's game. He also delegated the job of handling the demand for 40 tickets.

``That's over,'' Beasley said of facing the demands of playing in Washington. ``I've been through a year of it. I feel a whole lot more focused.''

Beasley, the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, didn't play as well as he hoped during the Heat's two trips to Washington last season. He scored six points and had four fouls in 16 minutes during a Nov. 18 Heat win.

Beasley was stopped by police early that day and taken in for questioning on a traffic violation as he followed in his car behind a group of friends. In the Heat's visit April 4 visit, Beasley was 6 of 14 from the field for 13 points and had four fouls.

The Heat has worked extensively with Beasley, 20, on and off the court this season in the aftermath of his stay this summer at a substance abuse cen-ter.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said he has seen an increased level of focus in Beasley's approach to games and potential distractions this season.

``We talked about focus as a group,'' Spoelstra said. ``He watched film all day with the assistant coaches, just trying to keep his mind on the game. Mike has been very good up to this point. He's also ready to break out.''

This time, Beasley handled his return as a business trip.

``There's still family, but I've got a job to do, too,'' Beasley said. ``So I didn't get any texts on my phone or anything. I just chilled.''

COOK TRAVELS, SITS

A day after saying he probably wouldn't travel, guard Daequan Cook took his rehabilitation for a strained right shoulder on the road.

Cook missed his third consecutive game with the injury he sustained during a workout with a medicine ball.

Spoelstra said Cook would be reevaluated after a week of therapy. Cook remains questionable for Friday's game against Denver.

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