The Miami Heat set a new NBA record as they became the first defending champion to win 20 straight games with a 98-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night. They broke the record that was held by the Boston Celtics who did it during the 2008-09 season.
Miami became only the fourth team in NBA history with a 20-game winning streak in one season. The Heat have beaten the Sixers 14 consecutive times and in 17 of the last 18 meetings while included the playoffs.
Neither team led by more than four points in the first quarter as Philadelphia(24-40) was up 22-21 at the end of the period. Miami(49-14) finished the second quarter with a 23-6 rally and led 51-39 at halftime. LeBron James had 18 points for the Heat at the half.
The 76ers cut the deficit down to four points at 59-55 six minutes into the second half, but the Heat were ahead 71-66 after three quarters. Miami had a ten-point lead early in the fourth quarter, however Philadelphia went on a 15-2 run to take the lead at 85-82.
Dwyane Wade tipped in a follow-up rebound off a James shot from close range with 29.4 seconds left for a Miami 94-91 lead. The Heat made all four free throws in the last 22 seconds and Chris Bosh blocked a crucial shot with nine seconds remaining.
James led the Heat with 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 37 minutes while Wade added 21 points and eight rebounds in 39 minutes. It was Wade's 11th straight game with 20 or more points. Bosh dropped down 10 points in 32 minutes and Ray Allen scored 12 points.
Thaddeus Young picked up a double-double for the Sixers with 24 points and 15 rebounds in 37 minutes. Evan Turner contributed 15 points in 35 minutes and Jrue Holiday had 21 points. seven assists and seven rebounds in 43 minutes. Former Heat player Dorell Wright poured in 13 points as he came off the bench.
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