Miami Heat sluggish in loss to New York Knicks

The Miami Heat couldn’t make anything and the New York Knicks couldn’t miss in Wednesday’s disappointing loss.

The Miami Heat (21-14) didn’t make their first 3-pointer of the game until 3:22 left in the fourth quarter. It was one of those nights for Miami. One of those nights when nothing seems to go in, and every bounce goes the opponents way.

The Heat shot 44.4 percent from the field, and just 2-of-17 (11.8 percent!) from 3-point range. Meanwhile, the Knicks made 55.7 percent of their shots and 37.5 percent of their 3s.

But, credit the New York Knicks (18-19). They played tight defense, made the shots they were supposed to make and some they weren’t.

Sometimes, though, the ball just doesn’t roll your way. Miami’s lack of shot making hurt their spacing toward the end, which just made ball movement and getting to the lane that much more difficult. They seemed slow on both ends, as well, not defending at as high a level as we’re accustomed to seeing.

The Heat had beaten the Knicks twice this season coming into Wednesday’s game, and it would be nice to just throw this game away as an off night. But they needed this one. Miami is about to embark on a road trip in which 11 of 14 games will be on the road. Building as much of a cushion as possible is important.

Simply put, the Heat–who have lost home games to the Knicks and Nets, Pistons, Wizards and Celtics–can’t keep losing these games.

Three stars

Chris Bosh was the only player able to get anything going consistently late in the game. He nailed a pair of jumpers off pick-and-pops with Tyler Johnson that almost sparked a run, but the Heat had no lighter fluid. He finished with 28 points and five rebounds.

Dwyane Wade finished with 18 points, six assists and six rebounds.

Tyler Johnson had a modest box score, with eight points, three rebounds and three assists. However, he hustled his ass off. He was key in Miami’s mini-run at the end, helped get Bosh involved and tried his darnedest to get the Heat back in the game. Got to respect that.

Highlights

Up next

The Miami Heat will travel to take on the dysfunctional Phoenix Suns on Friday. They better not lose that one…