MIAMI — Dwyane Wade is forcing Atlanta to consider completely abandoning its defensive philosophy. Atlanta is adamant it won't double-team Wade, the Heat's superstar guard, when he's 20 feet from the basket. It goes against everything coach Mike Woodson believes.

But the more Wade abuses the Hawks' defense, as he did in Saturday's 107-78 Game 3 playoff victory at AmericanAirlines Arena - Wade ended with 29 points on 10-for-21 shooting, including 4-for-8 on three-pointers - the more the Hawks have to consider getting the ball out of his hands any way possible.

"You always prepare for anything," said Wade, who also had seven rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. "I've seen just about every defense possible."

Miami now leads the best-of-seven first-round playoff series, 2-1. The Heat is in control largely because of Wade (he added seven rebounds, eight assists and four blocks), but also because of its smothering brand of defense.

The best sign of that came at the end of the first half. Miami ended the second quarter on a 28-8 run and took a 50-29 halftime lead. Atlanta never got closer than 13 points in the second half and trailed by at least 20 points for much of the third and fourth quarters.

Miami established a franchise record with 12 blocks. The Heat also held Atlanta to 29 first-half points, a franchise record for fewest points in a half by an opponent. And the Heat out-rebounded Atlanta 48-35.

Still, the Hawks' biggest challenge entering Monday's Game 4 is how to corral Wade.

"You can't (stop him) once D-Wade is in rhythm," said rookie guard Mario Chalmers, who contributed 15 points and four steals.

The Hawks, playing without starting forward Marvin Williams (wrist), were successful against Wade in Game 1 with traps and double-teams, especially when Wade got into the lane. The result was a resounding 90-64 Hawks victory. Wade ended with 19 points, 11 fewer than his league-leading average, and eight turnovers.

But in Games 2 and 3, Wade has used his jump shot to loosen the Hawks' defense for himself and teammates. Those games have gone decidedly in the Heat's favor, particularly Game 2, a 108-93 whitewash.

"When my teammates are making the shots they're making it hard to double-team," Wade said.

Center Jermaine O'Neal (22 points, 10 rebounds), forward Udonis Haslem (12 points, 13 rebounds), Chalmers and forward James Jones (11 points) all helped carry the load in a game in which forward Jamario Moon, the leading rebounder in Game 2 with eight, left in the second quarter with an abdominal strain and didn't return.

It helped greatly, however, that Miami went a perfect 19-for-19 from the free-throw line.

It helped even more that Wade was constantly talking to his teammates during timeouts. It's his overall leadership, not his offense, that's guiding the Heat.

"I was very disappointed in myself in Game 1," Wade said. "When we were losing, I didn't feel the team heard my voice enough. Game 2 and Game 3, I really took it upon myself to make sure my voice is heard."

Atlanta hears him loudly and clearly.