Dwyane Wade poured in 40 points as the Miami Heat bounced back from their first play-off loss of the post season with a 92-86 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, to level the Eastern Conference finals at 1-1.

After struggling in the opener of the best-of-seven series against the defending NBA champions, Wade was brilliant in Game Two, complementing his huge points tally with eight rebounds and six assists.

Just 7-of-25 from the field in the series opener, Wade was 15-of-28 and 10-for-10 from the free throw line to send the Heat to Detroit for Game Three on Sunday with the series tied.

"I listened to a lot of people and used everything my coaches told me," Wade said, adding he had received a 3.30 a.m. pep-talk call from team-mate Shaquille O'Neal.

"They told me every time you have a bad game, come back with a good one," said Wade, who scored 20 points in the fourth quarter.

O'Neal, who continues to be slowed by a bruised thigh injury, made his presence felt by contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds while Damon Jones added 14 points for Miami.

Richard Hamilton had 21 points for the Pistons while Tayshaun Prince tallied 17.