Miami

Heat Suffer Worst Loss of Season

The Heat fell by a season-high 25 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday

The Miami Heat were no match for the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 99-74 loss on Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The Heat scored the least points of the season and also were beaten by the widest margin. Until the third quarter, the game was close. Its at that point that the Thunder opened things up with a 15-point advantage in the third quarter.

Playing with a shorthanded roster, Miami had trouble getting things started in the loss. The Heat were without the services of Goran Dragic, Beno Udrih and Chris Andersen. In addition, Dwyane Wade was a late addition to the lineup after batting a sore shoulder.

Udrih shined in Friday's win as he made a spot start for Dragic at point guard. The veteran was set to start again in this one before being scratched with a neck strain. Miami was forced to turn to Tyler Johnson and had a major lack of depth at the PG slot.

Johnson to his credit performed well and took one for the team with 39 minutes of action. The guard looked winded at times as he nearly doubled his minutes per game average in the loss. Johnson who typically plays 22 minutes a game scored 16 points while adding four assists. If Dragic is unable to play in Miami's next game, Johnson could see another busy day.

Wade battled for 29 minutes in which he compiled 22 points and was efficient on 9-15 shooting. The All-Star did not show many signs of his shoulder injury, and likely would have played more minutes if the game was closer.

A major beneficiary of the depleted roster was Josh Richardson who played 20 minutes. Richardson is averaging only eight minutes a game on the season, and has missed many games overall. Richardson ended up with only three points despite the increased playing time.

The Heat will return home on Tuesday for a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 p.m.

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