Heat win streak now at nine with rout of struggling Hawks

THE Heat extended their win streak to nine, downing the Atlanta Hawks, 116-93, on Wednesday in Miami (Thursday, Manila time).

Goran Dragic scored 27 on 8 of 13 shooting including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc as Miami notched its 20th win in 50 games.

Dion Waiters delivered 20 points, making 9 of 15 field goal attempts, while Hassan Whiteside came up with a huge double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds.

The Hawks have lost three of the last five games and 21 in 49 outings.

Kent Bazemore came up with 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting, while Dennis Schroder went 5 for 11 and wound up with 12 points.