After an 0-3 start to the preseason that saw the Heat's shooting percentage hover just below the 40 percent mark, coach Erik Spoelstra is encouraged -- though not surprised -- at the team's offensive improvement in its past two games.

In Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Thursday's win against the New Orleans Hornets, the Heat regained its shooting touch, firing at a 48 percent clip from the floor and getting strong shooting performances from Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook.

``We did it by design,'' Spoelstra said. ``We spent the majority of training camp on defense to try and shore up some concerns we had on that end. Only in the last 10 days have we done 5-on-5 and spent time putting in the offense.''

``It's coming together more. You can feel it. The shots are just there now,'' said Cook, who scored 29 points in the past two games.

Cook had an extended shooting slump in the second half that derailed his season.

Center Jermaine O'Neal readily points the finger at himself as one of last year's ``concerns.'' As a midseason acquisition, O'Neal took time getting on the same page as his teammates.

But after his first full Miami training camp, O'Neal and Spoelstra think those problems are behind them.

``Now you ask any one of the guys out here and ask them if they get beat, who's got their back? And they'll tell you: `J.O.,' '' O'Neal said. ``Now we can concentrate on the other side of the ball.''

Spoelstra said: ``The continuity on offense is easier with the same players from last year.''

INJURY UPDATES

Small injuries continue to nag the veterans. Dwyane Wade (bruised calf) was held out of practice and said he probably will not play in the team's next preseason game Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

But Wade still plans to be ready for the start of the regular season Oct. 28.

``As impatient as you want to be, you have to be patient and careful,'' Wade said. ``You want to be out there to get your rotations down, but if you can't you can't force it.''

Wade has not been on the court since his injury.

O'Neal (groin, right shoulder) did not participate in team drills Sunday but worked on post moves with assistant coach Keith Askins. He dismissed the possibility of any serious issues.

``It's preseason . . . I'll be ready by the start of the season,'' said O'Neal, who committed to a workout regimen this summer hoping to avoid the injury problems that have plagued him the past five seasons.

Udonis Haslem (back) and Jamaal Magloire (ankle) both practiced and, along with O'Neal, expect to play in the remainder of the preseason.

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