HEAT Blow Lead, Lose to Blazers

By: Matt Pineda

The HEAT were looking to rebound, both literally and metaphorically against the Blazers. After being beaten bad on the boards Tuesday against the Pacers, Miami needed a win and brought a focused mindset to Portland. Unfortunately, they faltered throughout the second half and lost to Portland 92-90.

The HEAT got off to a good start led by their stars. After a close first quarter, the HEAT pulled away in the second to have a 13 point half-time lead. Led by double digit scoring in the first half by all the big three, Miami was playing comfortable offensively and aggressively on defense. They were also winning the rebounding battle. Chris Bosh was the catalyst, hitting his outside jumper.

The second half started off well for Miami, but they got complacent midway through the third quarter. Miami’s led was trimmed to 5 by the end of the third as LeBron James went scoreless in the quarter. And after having a comfortable 8-12 point lead for most of the fourth, Portland tied the game at 82 with about 4 minutes left. From there, a three by Ray Allen and a clutch jumper by Bosh helped Miami keep the lead.

But the unfortunate happened. The HEAT were up 88-85 until Wesley Matthews hit an open three to tie the game. After a Bosh dunk, Matthews hit a contested three again to give Portland the lead. Allen missed a three and Aldridge went to the line and knocked down 1 or 2 for 92-90 lead.

Mario Chalmers, who hadn’t played the entire fourth quarter, missed a three at the buzzer and the HEAT lost. It was truly unfortunate because Miami had control of the entire game and walked away with a loss.

Dwyane Wade scored 18 and Ray Allen added 15. Miami dropped to 23-11.

Game MVP: Nicholas Batum

His 28 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals led the way for the Portland comeback win.

Biggest Surprise: Mike Miller

Miller had an impressive stat line of 5 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes. Those types of numbers are really effective off the bench and Miller was a noticeable contributor tonight.

Lights Out Performance: Chris Bosh

Bosh was great all night. He finished with 29 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Stat of the Game: 33

That’s where LeBron James’ 20 point game streak stops. Although he filled the box score in other areas, he shot the ball poor and didn’t get the whistle nearly enough. He finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.

Next Up:

The HEAT play their third of six on the road, Saturday night, 10 PM in what could be their last game in Sacramento against the Kings.