--F Kevin Durant had a chance to catch up with old AAU teammate Michael Beasley in Miami this week. The two former No. 2 picks, Durant in the 2007 draft and Beasley in 2008, played together in Washington, D.C.

Durant contacted Beasley after the Heat forward checked into a rehab center this summer.

"Kevin was always a scorer," Beasley said. "I started off as just a rebounder, but I developed into a scorer. Once that happened we were unstoppable."

--G James Harden was the one bright spot in Wednesday's loss at Orlando. The rookie scored a career-high 24 and knocked down 6 of 7 from beyond the arc in 31 minutes.

"I just had confidence," he said. "Before the game, the coaches told me to shoot the ball."

--G Russell Westbrook avoided an ejection at Miami after getting into a confrontation with Heat center Jermaine O'Neal. Late in the first half, Westbrook was called for an offensive foul against Heat guard Mario Chalmers.

After the play, Westbrook pushed Jermaine O'Neal, who had gone up to him, in the chest. O'Neal responded with a punch that didn't connect. A double technical followed.

"That was just us both being competitive, us playing the game in the heat of the moment," Westbrook said. "I'm just glad my teammates were there and we came out with the victory."

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Shaun Livingston (left knee) is on the inactive list. He's expected out for 3-4 weeks, which would put his return at mid-December at the latest.