 "Photo: AP")
The Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns have held the NBA's best records for much of the season, but many teams have put up impressive runs to enter the ever-so-popular debate over "who is the best?"
Although Sunday's loss to the Orlando Magic snapped the Miami Heat's nine-game winning streak, the Heat have a remarkable 10-3 record since losing Dwyane Wade to injury. Shaquille O'Neal, averaging 20.5 points and 8 rebounds per game after Wade's injury, has led the Heat to victories over several quality teams.
Combine the Wizards 6-7 record over that same period with the Heat's two wins over them, and the Heat are suddenly only one game behind the Wizards in the Southwest division.
During that stretch, the Heat have also beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are on a nice eight game winning streak. LeBron James' increased point production has rejuvenated the Cavs to a 10-3 record after All-Star break.
The improved play of the Cavs has trimmed the Detroit Pistons' lead in the Eastern Conference to only a game and a half. With 16 games left against teams with a combined .484 winning percentage, the Cavs are a team to be reckoned with down the stretch.
Kobe's week
Kobe Bryant has had his fair share of ups and downs during his 11-year NBA career, and last week was no different.
After throwing elbows at Manu Ginobili and Marko Jaric earlier this season, Bryant used his elbow to fend off defender Kyle Korver who has led to the accusation of Bryant being a dirty player, or what coach Phil Jackson referred to as a "witch-hunt".
Whether or not these incidents were intentional, only Bryant knows. But Bryant's label of being one of the best players to ever play in the NBA can not be denied.
On Friday, Bryant put up 65 points against the Portland Trail Blazers and followed it up with a 50-point encore against the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday.
The 65 points is a NBA season high, and no other player in the last 40 years has put up a higher two-game total other than Michael Jordan.
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