(Photo Credit: Ned Dishman)
The Miami HEAT lost 105-101 to the Washington Wizards Tuesday night, snapping a six game winning streak. The loss drops the HEAT to 12-4 on the season. Th HEAT return to action Thursday night when they host the New York Knicks.
Impact Performance of the Night: LeBron James recorded his first triple-double of the season with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. James started slow but came on strong during the second half. In the fourth quarter he scored 11 points and got open shots for teammates all over the floor. Unfortunately for the HEAT, the shots didn’t fall.
The Deciding Run: There really wasn’t a short run that decided the game. The Wizards built an early lead and held on in the second half. They were able to respond to HEAT baskets throughout the second half.
Play of the Game: With the HEAT down four points late in the fourth quarter, LeBron James threw a crazy bounce pass to Dwyane Wade under the basket that resulted in a layup. How James and Wade were able to connect there, we’ll never know.
Efficiency Rating: Offensive Efficiency: 105.1; Defensive Efficiency: 109.6
Trend to Watch: Tonight, the HEAT’s open threes didn’t fall like they did in other contests. In their close games against Denver, Milwaukee, Cleveland and others, the HEAT used three-pointers to catch opponents and then eventually knock them off. Ray Allen and Mike Miller got clean, open looks, but they rimmed out. Those shots are still the looks they HEAT want. It will be interesting to see if the HEAT go back to that well the next time a game gets tight.
The Takeaway: It’s an early December loss that we’ll probably forget come playoff time, especially considering the HEAT were without three rotation players. However, the loss gives the HEAT some game film that will show them where to get better. Losses, while inconvenient, can be tremendous learning tools. It’ll be interesting to see how the HEAT respond.
Notes: Chris Bosh finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Dwyane Wade added 24 points. Mario Chalmers left the game early with a finger injury. Norris Cole and Shane Battier were inactive, both are recovering from injury.
