Heat Shed No Tears But Still Lose

Miami drops fifth in a row to Portland

The Miami Heat were spared a chance at a last-second breakdown against the Trailblazers Tuesday evening, but the result was no less baffling and disheartening. Despite shooting 51%, turning the ball over only four times in the second half, and getting 30+ points from both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the Heat fell at home to Portland 105-96.

Miami trailed for all but a minute in the second half, never leading, but also never trailing by more than nine points. Portland limited Miami's possessions, aided by 12 offensive rebounds, eight steals, and three blocks.

Miami usually attempts 77 shots and 28 free throws per game. Portland held Miami to 72 and 19, and pulled away in the fourth quarter as the Heat made only two of five shots in the final three minutes.

The game closed with "We want Riley" chants coming from the crowd (though we hate to burst their bubble). Perhaps Miami can replace their bench instead. After managing only six points against the Bulls on Sunday, the bench "improved" to eight points against the Blazers. At this rate, they will get to 20 points by late March. Their counterparts from Portland scored 41 points.

Chris Bosh has his own suggestion for improving the Heat: give him the ball in the post more often. We're sure no one in the media will overreact to this innocuous statement.

Miami is making all the naysayers who said last summer they could not win a title with such a top-heavy lineup look pretty smart. They are looking more prescient by the day, and the Heat are running out of time to prove them wrong.

David Hill is a Miami native and former owner of a youth replica Rony Seikaly jersey.

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