Heat Pad Win Streak – NBA Roundup For March 11th

UNDATED (AP) — LeBron James scored a season-low 13 points on Sunday, but that didn't stop the Miami Heat from extending their team-record winning streak to 18 games.

Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers and Dwyane (dwayn) Wade combined for 73 points on 68 percent shooting as the Heat whipped Indiana 105-91. Chalmers led the way with 26 points, Bosh had 24 and Wade added 23 as the Heat tied the seventh-longest winning streak in NBA history. Chalmers shot 5-for-6 from three-point range and was perfect on seven free throws.

James finished with seven assists and six rebounds for the Heat, who held a 27-15 edge in points off turnovers and finished the game shooting 56 percent compared with 41 percent by Indiana.

Also in the NBA, Oklahoma City picked up its fifth straight win by holding Boston to 25 percent shooting in the second half of a 91-79 victory over the Celtics. Kevin Durant scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while helping put an end to Boston's five-game winning streak.

Blake Griffin scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just 21 minute as the Los Angeles Clippers ripped Detroit 129-97. Chris Paul contributed 20 points and 14 assists to the Clippers' 10th win in 13 games.

The upwardly-mobile Lakers have moved into the eighth and final playoff berth in the West. Los Angeles is a-half game ahead of slumping Utah following a 90-81 victory over the visiting Chicago Bulls. Kobe Bryant scored a team-high 19 points, dished out nine assists and grabbed seven rebounds while teammate Dwight Howard contributed 16 points and 21 rebounds to L.A.'s third straight win. The Lakers climb two games over .500 for the first time this season.

Dallas has a three-game winning streak after Vince Carter's 22 points and nine rebounds led the Mavericks to a 100-77 rout of Minnesota. Dirk Nowitzki finished with 16 points and Brandan Wright added 13 and seven rebounds in the victory.

Milwaukee pulled out a 115-113 win at Sacramento behind 29 points and nine assists from Monta (MAHN'-tay) Ellis. Mike Dunleavy made four 3-pointers and scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half of the Bucks' sixth victory in seven games.

Orlando had dropped seven straight at home until Jameer Nelson scored 24 points and had 10 assists in the Magic's 99-91 win over Philadelphia. Nik Vucevic chipped in 14 points and 17 rebounds for the Magic.

Ryan Anderson hit a layup with 1.8 seconds left to give New Orleans a 98-96 triumph over Portland. Anderson and Greivis Vasquez each finished with 20 points as the Hornets ended a three-game skid.

Amir Johnson scored 17 points and matched his career high with 16 rebounds in Toronto's 100-96 win against Cleveland. Alan Anderson scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while the Cavaliers played without Kyrie Irving because of an apparent shoulder injury.