MIAMI – The Miami Heat had no need for another last-second hero Wednesday night – not the way the New Orleans Hornets missed shots at a near-record rate.

New Orleans shot 24.4 percent to tie for the second-lowest playoff point total since the shot clock was introduced in 1954, and the Heat won 93-63 for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.

The hapless Hornets finished 20-for-82. They sank seven meaningless baskets in the fourth quarter to avoid breaking the record for playoff shooting futility – 23.3 percent, set by Golden State in 1973.

Utah holds the playoff record for fewest points with 54 in 1998.

Dwyane Wade’s basket with 1.3 seconds left gave Heat a win in Game 1, but they wrapped up Game 2 early, taking a 23-point lead in the third quarter.

The best-of-seven series moves to New Orleans for the next two games, with Game 3 on Saturday. The Heat have won 14 in a row at home, but they’re 13-28 on the road this season.

New Orleans’ offensive meltdown was a collective effort. All-Star center Jamaal Magloire repeatedly missed inside, All-Star guard Baron Davis went 3-for-14, and reserve Stacey Augmon clanked a short jumper off the side of the rim.

Twice the Hornets misfired on 10 consecutive tries. In the third quarter they shot 10.5 percent (2-for-19). Shammond Williams missed their final attempt – a layup with 25 seconds left.

Desperate for an offensive spark, coach Tim Floyd started perimeter specialist Steve Smith in the second half. He finished 2-for-9.

AP-ES-04-21-04 2243EDT