UNDATED (AP) — The Miami Heat set a franchise record with their 15th consecutive victory, but it took a while for them to pull away.

The Heat led by just six with eight minutes left before going on a 17-5 run to beat Minnesota 97-81. Miami wore down the Timberwolves inside, outscoring them 58-32 in the paint and hitting 24 of their 38 field goals through dunks or layups.

Dwyane (dwayn) Wade had 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while LeBron James chipped in 20 points and 10 boards. James played 35 minutes despite being listed as a game-time decision with a twisted left knee.

The winning streak has allowed the Heat to open a seven-game lead over Indiana in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Knicks managed to erase a 22-point deficit without the services of their leading scorer.

Carmelo Anthony sat out the second half after injuring his right knee during the Knicks' 102-97 win at Cleveland. The Knicks trailed 52-30 in the second quarter when Anthony injured his right knee. Anthony didn't know if he'll be able to play Wednesday night when the Knicks visit Detroit.

Amare Stoudemire (ah-MAR'-ay STOW'-duh-my-ur) and J.R. Smith picked up the offensive slack as the Knicks won in Cleveland for the first time in 11 tries. Stoudemire finished with 22 points, Smith had 18 and Steve Novak hit three of New York's seven three-pointers in the final period.

Kyrie (ky-REE') Irving scored 22 points in his return after missing the Cavaliers' past three games with a hyperextended right knee.

In other NBA action, Corey Brewer scored 22 points and Ty Lawson added 18 in Denver's 104-88 victory over Atlanta. The Nuggets won their 11th straight game at the Pepsi Center and matched Miami's NBA-best 26-3 home record.

Golden State was a 125-118 winner over Toronto behind David Lee's 29 points and 11 rebounds. Seth Curry finished with 26 points and 12 assists, while Klay Thompson chipped in 22 points for the Warriors.

Arron Afflalo (af-LAH'-loh) scored five of his game-high 26 points in the final 38 seconds to push Orlando past New Orleans 105-102. Jameer Nelson and Tobias Harris each had 15 points for the Magic, who trailed by 17 in the second half before ending a three-game skid.

J.J. Redick scored Milwaukee's first eight points of overtime and finished with 17 in a 109-108 win at Utah. Brandon Jennings added 20 points and 17 assists, while Monta (MAHN'-tay) Ellis had a game-high 34 points in the Bucks' fourth consecutive win.

LaMarcus Aldridge had team highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead Portland over Charlotte 122-105. Nicolas Batum (bah-TOOM') and Damian Lillard each added 20 points as the Trail Blazers handed the Bobcats their seventh straight loss.

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