Heat's latest loss may be worst yet

By foxsports
Published

By CHRIS
PERKINS

FOXSportsFlorida.com
Heat Writer
March 7, 2011



This is now officially the worst losing streak in Miami Heat history. And it's the worst losing streak by a large margin.

Thanks to Tuesday's 105-96 loss to Portland, this is worse than that 15-game losing streak in the woeful 2007-08 season, a season Miami finished 15-67.

"That's probably the hardest thing to understand (about the losing streak)," guard Dwyane Wade said. "(It's happening) with this cast of talent."

In general, regular-season losing streaks, including this one, really don't matter much. But consider this: This was thought to be the best team Miami (43-21) has ever assembled, one of the best teams ever assembled in NBA history. And now it's re struggling at an epic level. It's so mind-boggling even the superstars can't agree on the depths of this losing streak.

"This isn't rock bottom for us," forward LeBron James said, noting Miami could still lose all of its remaining games and make the playoffs.

Wade seemed to disagree, saying, "It can't get any worse than this."

Wade noted injuries would qualify as an exception to that statement. But at least injuries (beyond those to forwards Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem) would provide a legitimate excuse, a hardcore reason the Heat are playing far below expectations.

There's no reason for Miami to be under-achieving in this fashion. None. Zero.



















Tuesday's game against Portland was practically a must-win, about as must-win as it gets in the regular season, and the Heat didn't respond. Miami had now lost five of its past six games and four consecutive at home. Panic time is getting closer and closer.

"The only thing was can do is keep on grinding and not let go of the rope," coach Erik Spoelstra said.

But it appears many players have let go of the rope. Miami's bench was outscored, 41-8, by Portland.

"That's the key right there," guard Mario Chalmers said. "We have to get our bench more shots, and get them more involved in the game."

Before Tuesday's game you knew the Heat were in deep trouble. That's obvious when you hear players cried in the locker room after the Chicago loss.

You could have argued the Heat entered the Portland game on the worst four-game losing streak in franchise history. And you would have had a good case, considering this star-studded squad had losses to New York, Orlando, San Antonio and Chicago when they had a chance to win in all but one game (at San Antonio). They were crushing defeats.

But in reality the franchise's worst four-game losing streak was when the defending champion Heat got swept by Chicago in four games in 2007. Postseason always outweighs the regular season.

So that brings us to Tuesday, and this is what it eventually boiled down to: Miami, which has failed to close out games numerous times this season, trailed, 77-75 entering the fourth quarter.

Miami made some big plays. Wade blocked a shot by Brandon Roy, grabbed the ball out of the air and sped downcourt for a dramatic dunk, providing one of the many moments you thought Miami might be able to turn it on and grab a victory.

But there were also missed shots by Chris Bosh and Mike Miller, who each had a terrible night. There was a key offensive rebound by Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge after the Heat made a nice defensive stand.

Nevertheless, Miami counter-punched in the fourth quarter. There were a couple of vintage dunks and baseline moves by Wade. James, who played 45 of a possible 48 minutes, made plays. Guard Mario Chalmers made a few plays.

But when Aldridge made that turnaround jumper to put Portland ahead 100-91 with 2:07 left, that was it.

And then for good measure, Wesley Matthews hit a three-pointer for a 103-94 lead with 1:34 left.

Game over, and maybe championship hopes over.

--Dwyane Wade (38 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks) and LeBron James (31 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists) showed up. Few others did for Miami.