First, the Heat manhandled the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road just before the All-Star break, so playing in a big-game environment doesn't scare them. Secondly, the Spurs probably won't have Tony Parker back from his ankle sprain yet. On the other hand, the Spurs have won some big games, at home, without the Frenchman. The beat OKC a week ago and have the personnel to do it. Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter will be tough to match up with for the Heat.

Perhaps the most damning stat going against the Heat on that night will be their record in San Antonio. The Spurs are an eye-opening, 22-2 in regular- season games played in Alamo City. The last win came on Nov. 7, 2008. Before that, Dec. 23, 1996. Before that? NEVER.

The streak ends on Mar. 31, 2013. It will reach 29, but go no further.

It's a shame, too. Three of Miami's next four will be at home, although the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks both play the Heat tough. Even the Philadelphia 76ers give them a go.

Losing this streak won't cripple the Heat either. Head coach Erik Spoelstra probably doesn't need this kind of an albatross around the collective neck heading into playoff time where winning four games before the other team is all that matters.

But it was fun while it lasted. The Heat always had the aura of immortality. They've lived up to it during this season, but careers are built on championship rings, not winning streaks. Although, winning 22 games in a row is a more impressive accomplishment than winning a title.

The rest of the league just has to hope the Heat peaked too soon.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

- I love that Mark Cuban booed Derek Fisher when the Oklahoma City Thunder came to Dallas. Fisher was on Dallas, asked for his release, then signed with the contending Thunder 65 days later. This is the third time Fisher has weaseled his way out of a contract, just to end up with a better team. I'm just not a fan of the way Fisher conducts business.

- Larry Sanders getting ejected in consecutive games in inexcusable. "You're a professional athlete, and you have to behave like a professional," said Milwaukee Bucks interim coach Jim Boylan. Bingo. Sanders has been a revelation this season, but things like this taint reputations.

- The MVP and Rookie of the Year races are done. James and Damian Lillard have them wrapped up. Most Improved, Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year are not.

- I'm going with Louisville, Ohio State, Florida and Indiana with Louisville topping Indiana. Before Selection Sunday, I thought I'd go with Louisville, Duke, Michigan State and Saint Louis as a Final Four if I could. They are the top-four seeds in the Northwest. Rats.

- I had the Houston Rockets 28th in the NBA prior to the season (and, in my defense, prior to the James Harden trade). They are closing in on the sixth seed in the West. I'm smart.

- Movie moment - Much like the James Bond series, I've never seen a Harry Potter movie. I actively try to avoid them. Wizardry is not my thing.

- TV moment - Someone standing next to me the other day said, "I want to watch that Splash to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dive." I almost slapped his face. I've said it before, I'm not a big reality television person, but this is the death of civilization - the fact that there are TWO celebrity reality diving shows. Why would anyone want to watch Kareem dive, because he's tall? It can't be because he's famous. You real interested in seeing if he can get his legs tucked on a pike? It's idiotic. I'm not judging, except I think if you look forward to watching these shows you're part of the problem. So, yeah, I am judging.