Balance delivers for Heat

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Pat Riley had one thing in mind when he revamped the supporting cast around Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade.

Get past Detroit.

The Miami Heat’s new role players were so effective in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals that they didn’t even need their superstar duo to steal home-court advantage away from the Pistons.

First-year Heat players Antoine Walker, Gary Payton and Jason Williams all scored in double figures to lead Miami past Detroit 91-86 last night.

“We’ve been here before — we know what to do,” Payton said. “We know how to make plays. It’s not like we’re rookies.”

Wade, who sat out more than 10 straight minutes of the second half with four fouls, had 25 points in 27 minutes and O’Neal scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half — making the Heat feel even better about starting the series strong.

“I was in a groove, but I couldn’t really get into a rhythm,” Wade said.

The Pistons, who trailed by as much as 12 in the first quarter and nine in the second, took their first lead on Chauncey Billups’ layup with 6:55 to go in the third quarter.

The two-time defending conference champions didn’t enjoy the lead long.

Miami snatched control of the game with a 20-5 run, taking a 75-65 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

“Their supporting cast was good — and that was the difference,” Billups said.

Detroit’s backcourt scored a lot, but missed a ton of shots.

Richard Hamilton had 22 points on 9-for-22 shooting and Billups finished with 19 on 6-for-19 shooting.

“We missed shots that we normally make,” Billups said.

Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince scored 16 points, reserve Antonio McDyess added 10 and Rasheed Wallace had a quiet night — scoring just seven points after missing seven of 10 shots — perhaps slowed down by an injured ankle.

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