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The Heat avoided another potential let down loss to an inferior opponent by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers (23-38) 102-93 heading into a game against Eastern Conference heavyweight Indiana on Sunday night.
LeBron James led Miami (46-14) with 25 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes. Dwyane Wade pitched in with 22 points and Chris Bosh dropped 16. The Sixers got 25 points from Thad Young, but very little offense elsewhere, as not one Sixer besides Young shot 50 percent or better on the game.
The 76ers were in it during the first three quarters, but Miami went on a 17-6 spurt in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, and James was able to rest down the stretch.
Miami now has the best home record in the NBA at 28-3 heading into Sunday's showdown against Indiana, who has beaten Miami twice this season.
NOTES
- Heat big Chris Andersen played over 17 minutes for just the third time this season.
- Wade has now scored over 20 points in eight straight games.
- Miami's 17-game win streak is tied for the best mark by any team this season. The Los Angeles Clippers won 17 in a row earlier in the season.
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