Heat Extend League Worst Losing Streak Against the Rockets
It was another frustrating night for the Miami Heat, who fell 102-98 to the Houston Rockets, extending their losing streak to a league-worst 10 games. Despite staying competitive early, Miami once again didn't execute in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Houston’s late-game execution made the difference out scoring Miami 24-18. While the Heat continue to slide down the Eastern Conference standings with the Raptors creeping up, the Rockets are heading in the opposite direction. Houston’s win marks their ninth straight victory, the longest active streak in the league giving them some room in the second seed.
Miami couldn’t capitalize on a hot second quarter from Andrew Wiggins, who poured in 20 points on a perfect 100% shooting in the quarter. Wiggins finished with 30 points, supported by the frontcourt duo of Kel’el Ware, who posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Bam Adebayo, who had 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. However, it was Fred VanVleet’s night for Houston. He torched Miami’s defense with 37 points on an efficient 77% shooting. Amen Thompson added 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but aside from VanVleet’s dominance, Miami held its own defensively, limiting the Rockets to 102 points, 11 points lower than their average.
The Heat are running out of time to turn things around. The offense continues to show flashes of promise, but late-game execution remains a glaring issue. Miami went into halftime on a 12-three run, leading Houston 59-51 behind the hot hand of Wiggins, but managed just 39 points in the second half while committing 10 turnovers. Miami will have a chance to gain some momentum on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets, who sit near the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, Houston will face a tough test against the Denver Nuggets in a critical Western Conference battle for second-place seeding.
