The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers team still stand on a platform on their own as their 33 game winning streak still remains the longest in NBA history after the Miami Heat's streak came to an end at 27 games.
The present day roster of Lakers have taken pride in the fact that the historic streak remains with the Lakers franchise, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"In a big way, I am," said Pau Gasol, who in his six seasons with the Lakers has become friends with the coach of that '71-72 team, Bill Sharman. "I'm glad that we kept the streak. It was about time that Miami lost."
All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, in his 17th season with the Lakers, took a more diplomatic approach.
"I think as a student of the game, as a fan of the game, you appreciate those kind of streaks," he said. "You realize how difficult it is to put together that big of a streak. Obviously, the Lakers winning 33 in a row was phenomenal. The Heat's run was just as impressive."
Throughout the streak the Heat have put together a series of come-from-behind victories to prolong their winning ways since a Feb. 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers. However, the Heat finished just six games shy of the record after a 101-97 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
After the loss forward LeBron James said there was no shame in falling short.
"It's one of the best that this league has ever seen," James said, referring to the streak that began on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3. "We recognized that and rightfully so."
James did all he could to keep the run going, scoring 32 points and even picked up a flagrant foul during a physical final few minutes.
"We haven't had a chance to really have a moment to know what we just did," James said. "We had a moment, just very fortunate, very humbling and blessed to be part of this team and be part of a streak like that."
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