PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James scored 27 points and the Heat became the fourth team to win at least 20 consecutive games in a season, rallying to beat the 76ers 98-94 last night.
Dwyane Wade added 21 as the Heat needed big baskets over the final two minutes to top the Sixers for the milestone win.
Only three teams have won at least 20 consecutive games in the same season: the 1971-72 Lakers (33), the 2007-08 Rockets (22) and the 1970-71 Bucks (20). The Washington Capitols also won 20 straight, spanning the end of the 1947-48 season and the start of the 1948-49 campaign.
Thaddeus Young had 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Sixers. Led by Young, the Sixers opened the third quarter on a 16-8 run that helped slice the lead to four. Miami led 71-66 at the end of the quarter.
The Sixers led 83-82 with 5:26 left, but Ray Allen hit a big 3-pointer to give Miami a 89-86 lead.