Music: {allcanada} RAPTORS TAKE WINNING STREAK TO MIAMI TO FACE HEAT ON TSN

Sunday, January 5, 2014

{allcanada} RAPTORS TAKE WINNING STREAK TO MIAMI TO FACE HEAT ON TSN

MIAMI - The Toronto Raptors have been the toast of the NBA over the last 10 days. They've won five straight and grabbed a four-game lead in the Atlantic Division. Tonight, they face one of their toughest challenges yet as they face former teammate Chris Bosh and the Heat in Miami.

You can see all the action on TSN beginning at 6pm et/3pm pt.

Toronto began a three-game road trip with a 101-88 drubbing of the Washington Wizards. Things don't get easier for the Raptors because after Sunday's tilt with the two-time defending champions, they visit the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points and Kyle Lowry had 19 points and 11 assists against the Wiz on Friday. Patrick Patterson added 18 points, Amir Johnson scored 17 and Terrence Jones notched 14 for the Raptors, who got their third straight win over the Wizards, but only their second in their last seven trips to Washington.

They are 9-2 with a new-look roster after trading Rudy Gay and 7-1 in their last eight road games.

"Winning is contagious, and we're making winning plays. It's not about making extra passes," Lowry said. "It's about winning and how you win is by making extra passes, so everyone is making extra passes, so everybody wants to win. It's not the fancy passes."

The Heat have won 13 straight against the Raptors, including two this season, both in Toronto. Miami has taken seven in a row in South Beach.

After a 123-114 loss at home the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, the Heat trounced the Orlando Magic, 110-94 on the road Saturday night.

LeBron James only shot 5-for-13 en route to 15 points as it was someone else's turn for the Heat.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade scored 20 points apiece for Miami, which has won three of four and nine of its last 11. Bosh shot 9-of-9 from the field as the Heat won their 22nd straight game against the Southeast Division.

"CB is our rock," praised Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. "He's doing it on both ends. He's a true two-way player. He's dynamic, he's unique."

Rashard Lewis made his second start of the season for an injured Shane Battier and donated 18 points. James' 15-point output was a season low, but he chipped in eight rebounds and eight assists.

"Tonight was one of those games where I didn't have to put too much pressure on scoring," said James. "I just tried to get my guys involved, tried to get some rebounds."

The Heat host New Orleans on Tuesday, then hit the road for six straight.

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