The Miami Heat lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in heartbreaking fashion by a final score of 89-88 on Tuesday.
The game was critical in terms of seeding as Miami had a chance to move to only a half-game back of sixth place. Instead, the Bucks now opened up a two and a half game advantage over Miami. The Heat also lost an opportunity to keep distance on the teams behind them in a close playoff race.
Miami had a two-point lead when the Bucks gained possession for the final play of the game. Milwaukee would miss a layup before the game-winning three-pointer when in as time expired. This possession followed shortly after Dwyane Wade only made one of two free-throws.
Before the costly miss from the charity stripe, Wade had enjoyed a fine game. The veteran had 21 points and four assists in his 31 minutes. The late free-throw miss was his only of the game as Wade sank the other six chances.
Hassan Whiteside was lost during the first half due to a lacerated hand. The center was unable to return for the second half after starting off exceptionally well. Whiteside had seven points and eight rebounds in only 12 minutes. His presence may have made a difference in Milwaukee's final possession.
With Whiteside unavailable, Michael Beasley started the second half. Beasley had a tough game as he missed seven of his nine attempts from the field.
The Heat took a double-digit lead into the final quarter but Milwaukee had a 15-point advantage in the fourth.
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The Heat won't have much time to think of this tough loss. Miami will play another game on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m.
