Heat streak up to 16 on James' layup

LEBRON James scored the game-winning layup with 3.2 seconds remaining on Wednesday to give defending champion Miami a 97-96 victory over the Orlando Magic, stretching the Heat's win streak to 16 games.

James dribbled to the basket while being guarded, but flipped the ball up and into the basket to boost Miami's overall club-record victory run and provide his team with a 12th consecutive home triumph.

"I had no intention of shooting another jumper," he said.

The reigning National Basketball Association most valuable player finished with a game-high of 26 points, while Dwyane Wade added 24 points and Chris Bosh contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat.

Miami, with the best record in the Eastern Conference at 45-15, moved within one triumph of matching the longest win streak this season, a 17-game run by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Orlando, with the second-worst record at 17-45, was led by 25 points and 21 rebounds from 7-footer Nikola Vucevic.

Elsewhere, it was: Cavaliers 104, Jazz 101; Nets 99, Bobcats 78; Celtics 83, Pacers 81; Hawks 107, 76ers 96; Knicks 87, Pistons 77; Grizzlies 91, Trail Blazers 85; Timberwolves 87, Wizards 82; Lakers 108, Hornets 102; Mavericks 112, Rockets 108; Raptors 98, Suns 71; Spurs 101, Bulls 83; Warriors 87, Kings 83; and Clippers 117, Bucks 101.

In Miami, the Heat led 55-40 at half-time before the Magic rallied within 74-77 entering the fourth quarter. Orlando opened the quarter with a 12-4 run for an 86-81 lead before the Heat rallied to leave the game level at 93-93 with 2:22 remaining.

Jameer Nelson's jump shot and a Tobias Harris free throw gave the Magic a 96-93 lead. James, Wade and Ray Allen missed three-pointers before Bosh hit two free throws after being fouled by Vucevic to pull Miami within 95-96.

Orlando's Al Harrington missed a three-point attempt and James grabbed the rebound, setting up the final Heat possession and his game-winner.

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