Heat Take Ninth Straight With Lopsided Win Over Hawks

The Miami Heat remained the NBA's hottest team with their 116-93 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Miami has now won a season-high nine straight games, and has moved itself into the postseason discussion. With a 20-30 record, the Heat are within striking distance of the seventh and eighth seeds in the Eastern Conference. Entering play on Wednesday, Miami was only five games back of the seventh seed.

The Heat had a lead after one quarter, and only built it from there. Miami took a 15-point lead into the locker room at the half and outscored Atlanta by eight more in the third quarter. The Hawks entered with the fifth best record in the East, but appeared at times to be no match for the Heat.

James Johnson was productive off the bench for a second straight game. Johnson had 16 points along with two rebounds, a steal, three block and three assists. While this line was a step back from his previous game, Johnson was still a big part of the win. Johnson's night ended early when he was ejected in the fourth quarter.

Taurean Prince committed a hard foul on Hassan Whiteside late in the fourth quarter. Whiteside hit the court hard and some pushing and shoving took place. Johnson delivered a clear blow to Prine and was ejected quickly. A fine or suspension will be possible for Johnson and Prince as well.

Whiteside added another double-double to his stats with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Whiteside who is averaging a double-double this season, also had a steal and two blocks along the way. The center remained in the game even after the hard hit, and continued to be effective.

Goran Dragic led Miami in points with 27 and fellow guard Dion Waiters remained productive as well. Waiters who was considered the best player in the East last week, had 20 more points in Wednesday's win. Waiters also had seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.