The Miami Heat fell for the fourth straight time with their 102-91 loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Miami has lost six of the last seven games it has played and is only 2-6 on the year overall. The Heat have failed to protect their homecourt as well and are now 1-4 at American Airlines Arena this season.
The Heat were down by only five at the half, but the third quarter was an ugly one. Miami managed only 12 points in the third quarter, while Utah added 24 on the other end to expand the lead. Even with Miami winning the final quarter, the lead proved to be insurmountable.
Hassan Whiteside did all he could with yet another double-double. Whiteside has only failed to reach that feat in one game this season. The center had 15 points and 14 rebounds in Saturday's loss. Whiteside also contributed a pair of blocks and an assist.
With Goran Dragic sidelined due to a sprained ankle, Josh Richardson made his first start of the season. In 33 minutes, Richardson had 12 points, four assists, two steals and a block. Now that Richardson has shown he is healthy, the guard may see starts even after Dragic returns.
The Heat may continue to find it difficult to halt their skid in the next game. Miami will travel to San Antonio on Monday for a date with the Spurs.
