MIAMI, March 8 (UPI) -- A 25-point performance by LeBron James Friday boosted Miami to its 17th straight win, 102-93 over Philadelphia, and a spot in the 2013 playoffs.
The Heat clinched a post-season berth in their 60th game of the campaign, one in which Miami extended its longest winning streak in franchise history. Miami has defeated Philadelphia in each of their last 13 meetings.
Philadelphia owned a one-point lead during the early seconds of the fourth quarter, but the Heat then ran off 10 in a row to take control.
James added 10 rebounds and five assists. He scored six of the 10 points in the surge that put Miami in front.
Dwyane Wade added 22 points and Chris Bosh scored 16 for the Heat, whose last loss came Feb. 1 at Indiana.
Thaddeus Young had 25 points for the 76ers, who have lost 12 in a row on the road.
The 17 consecutive wins equal the longest such streak in the NBA this season. The Los Angeles Clippers also won 17 in a row from Nov. 28-Jan. 1.
