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Hot, Hot Heat: LeBron James, Miami Keep Rolling

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LeBron James has helped the Miami Heat take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference standings. (Alan Diaz/AP)
LeBron James has guided Miami to a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference standings, and bolstered his own chances of repeating as the NBA's MVP. (Alan Diaz/AP)

It took LeBron James nine seasons to earn his first NBA title. He might not have to wait so long for No. 2. James and his Miami Heat teammates hold the top record in the NBA's Eastern Conference’s by a wide margin, and a win over Orlando Wednesday extended their winning streak to 16 games.

With the regular season winding down, Greg Cote of the Miami Herald thinks the Heat have a good shot at repeating as NBA champions.

“I think they’re gonna get through the East fairly easily,” Cote said.  “They’ve proven they can beat Oklahoma City Thunder. I think the San Antonio Spurs could give them a tougher fight which is another reason why the game at San Antonio on the last day of this month should be pretty interesting.”

James has been critical to Miami’s success. He’s currently averaging 27 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.

“I think Dwyane [Wade] has been able to sort of set aside his ego. That’s allowed LeBron to have what looks like it’s going to be two MVP seasons in a row, and that’s been the catalyst for the whole thing,” Cote said.

But it's not like Wade is having a shabby season. The 2006 Finals MVP is scoring 21.7 points per game, good for ninth best in the NBA.

But James and Wade aren’t the only ones getting it done for Miami.

Center Chris Bosh and former Boston Celtics sharpshooter Ray Allen are both averaging double-figures as well.

“Adding Ray Allen as a three-point shooter, I think, has paid dividends,” Cote said. “Right now everything is looking good for the team.”

According to Cote, the Heat will be put to the test when Miami visits the Spurs, who currently boast the league’s best record.

“I think the game that they’re probably circling is at San Antonio March 31,” Cote said. “That looks like a possible NBA Finals preview.”

This segment aired on March 9, 2013.

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