Sizzling Heat record ninth straight double-digit victory

MIAMI » By recent Miami Heat standards, last night's win counts as close.

The Heat trailed early and waited until the end of the third quarter to make their move, winning by double figures for the ninth game in a row by beating New Orleans 96-84.

Dwyane Wade scored 32 points, topping 30 for the third consecutive game, and Chris Bosh added 23 points and 11 rebounds. The Heat blew the game open with an 18-2 spurt that put them up 94-77.

"This was for us one of the most gratifying wins, because it was a grind-out game," Wade said. "We were able to stick to it until our time finally came."

"They do the same thing every night," Hornets coach Monty Williams said. "Nobody can stop them."

Wade had an especially efficient night: 8-for-13 from the field and 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.

LeBron James had 20 points and seven assists for Miami, which became the sixth team in NBA history to win nine straight games by at least 10 points or more. And James has had a hand in two of those runs -- Cleveland was the last team to do it, between Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, 2008.

Only three teams -- the 2007-08 Houston Rockets, 2003-04 New Jersey Nets and 1946-47 Washington Capitols -- have won 10 straight by at least 10 points, and the Heat will try to match the NBA record tomorrow against James' former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bucks 103, Mavericks 99

Brandon Jennings had 23 points and 10 assists, and visiting Milwaukee rallied from a 20-point second-quarter deficit to end Dallas' 12-game winning streak. Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 points for the Mavericks, who hadn't lost since Nov. 19 to Chicago.

Bulls 92, Pacers 73

Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 18 rebounds, and Derrick Rose added 17 points and 12 assists as host Chicago got its first six-game winning streak since 2006.

Jazz 108, Warriors 95

Deron Williams scored 30 points and reserve C.J. Miles had 20 points and six rebounds as host Utah sent Golden State to its seventh straight loss.

Grizzlies 86, Blazers 73

Zach Randolph had 25 points and 20 rebounds, and Rudy Gay added 16 points to lead host Memphis to its third straight win.