Miami, FL

The Miami Heat are now one of just seven teams in NBA history to win 19 in a row after they trounced the Atlanta Hawks, 98 -81.

It has now been six weeks without a defeat and the Heat players have come to realize they're tasting once-a-lifetime stuff. The players can't help to admit their awareness of the accomplishment.

"Let's be honest, we're not sitting here and saying this is not something special," said James, who had his worst shooting performance of the season with just 3-of-11 in a 15 point performance. "But at the same time we don't want to get caught up in it too much."

"You know you're a part of history right now, but you just want to keep winning and keep it up," said Dwyane Wade, who had 23 points. "This team is put together to win championships, that's what we're measured by and that's what we measure ourselves by … but this is a special time."

After winning an important game Sunday against the rival Indiana Pacers, Tuesday had the feel of a potential trap game as the Heat prepared to leave on a five-game road trip. The Hawks, who came in holding the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, have twice played the Heat tough this season and have a reputation of being able to win anywhere.

The Heat were guilty of going through the motions and then dismissing the losses, even to top competition, as irrelevant because it was just the regular season.

During this past month and a half, however, not only have the Heat scored quality victories over teams you expect them to get up for, but they have brought it virtually every night. When they've been outplayed or been off their top form they haven't just given away the game, they've fought to the end.

The streak has jarred the Heat into truly caring about every game.

 

SI.com's Chris Mannix talks about how long the Heat can keep up their winning streak

Winning Streak Has Miami Heat Caring About Every Game

 

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