In its expansion voyage 13 years ago, the Heat traveled west to play the Clippers riding a season-opening 17-game losing streak.

When Miami takes an 11-game skid into Los Angeles tonight, the Heat hopes for a repeat of history, albeit in a different arena and different era.

The Heat's 89-88 win on Dec. 14, 1988 -- the first victory in team history -- prompted jubilation. A win tonight probably would bring more relief than anything.

Only two members of the Heat's current traveling party were with the team in its first season: trainer Ron Culp and announcer Eric Reid.

``This team is taking [the losing streak] much more difficult than that team,'' Culp said. ``There is a lot of talent on this team. The talent we had on that first team was very limited.''

Said Reid, ``This feels nothing like the first year. This is more painful, because's it's not anticipated. There is a certain charm to your expansion year than can never be duplicated.''

Culp and Reid still remember the first win, secured when Norm Nixon missed a jumper at the buzzer. Pat Cummings, Grant Long and Billy Thompson led Miami with 15 points apiece, offsetting 23 from Danny Manning.