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The Southeast Division-leading Heat (18-6) have been nearly unbeatable at home, with their only losses 100-92 to Atlanta on Jan. 2 and 91-82 to the Bucks on Jan. 22.

Since that loss to Milwaukee, Miami has won a season-best five straight on its own court -- most recently holding on to defeat Toronto 95-89 on Sunday.

"We came into (the) game knowing we wouldn't be able to take any shortcuts and it would be a work game," coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team improved to 11-2 at home, told the league's official site. "We would have to work the game for 48 minutes. We knew we would face a lot of zone ... We will take this win and move on."

Ranking second in the league with 29.2 points per game while shooting what would be a career-best 55.2 percent from the floor, James scored 30 and grabbed nine rebounds versus the Raptors.

While James' efforts have resulted in plenty of MVP conversation, he's isn't concerned about bringing home any hardware.

"Every time I go on the basketball court I try to be the MVP for our team," he said. "I try to lead -- that's how I've always tried to carry myself to that standard of being the MVP every time I go on the court."

James also downplayed the significance of facing his former team again. He scored a hard-fought 18 points on 8-of-21 shooting in a 92-85 win over the Cavaliers on Jan. 24 as the Heat improved to 4-1 versus Cleveland since James joined them.

"It's not as big as it was last year of course. Each game it kind of goes away," he said. "But it's always fun going against your old teammates."

MiaFLSurf wrote:TRAP GAME.

(Before every one else says it)

Zasterror wrote:Let's see if LeBron shuts down Mr. Irving tonight. He is an impressive rookie