In the process, the Heat have defeated the Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors; three teams battling for the final four spots in the East.
In what was a 30-17 fourth quarter, Miami battled back from a 10-point deficit to tally their 40th victory of the season. Now they only stand four wins away from surpassing last season's 43-win mark, and their final eight games of the season are all against sub-.500 teams.
With the Bucks facing a formidable schedule down the stretch, the Heat have a legitimate opportunity to capture and secure the fifth seed in the East. This would mean avoiding the Boston Celtics and reuniting with the Atlanta Hawks in an first round playoff rematch.
But this time Miami could tip the balance in their favor.
In the last 10 games of the 2008-09 season, Miami logged a mediocre 5-5 record. With not much momentum behind them, the Heat were still capable of mustering a seven-game series against the Hawks. This go around, the tides could change if Miami wins out (as they should) and enters the postseason on a 13-game win streak.
Witnessing what is arguably the best basketball Miami has played all season, the idea of surviving the opening round of the playoffs is no far-fetched dream by Heat fans.
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