Heat can't catch break with health as crucial stretch approaches
MIAMI -- Against an opponent playing its best basketball of the season, the Miami Heat didn't have enough to counter the San Antonio Spurs in a flat second half that ended in a 95-81 defeat Tuesday night.
Whether it was because they ran out of gas down the stretch or because their depth took another hit with the loss of starters Luol Deng (knee contusion) and Udonis Haslem (illness) -- or both -- it was clear that the Heat's recent knack of pulling out home victories would come to an end against a Spurs team firing on all cylinders.
Without a breakthrough performance from Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside or a key bench player such as Tyler Johnson or Mario Chalmers, Miami's lack of roster continuity from game to game -- compared with the Spurs, who were fully healthy -- is hurting them with every game critical to their playoff hopes.
"We have to do whatever is necessary, and that's what's required right now," head coach Erik Spoelstra said. "I don't think any of us is trying to overthink it. We have to weigh competitions. We have to find different ways to do it together, whoever is available, and find a way to gut out some wins."
Facing the Spurs at home was already enough of a challenge, but it doesn't get any easier with the team embarking on a three-game road trip starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
Key games against teams also battling for the last playoff spots in the East remain against the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets.
Tuesday's loss combined with the Brooklyn Nets beating the Pacers has the Heat clinging to the seventh spot with just a half-game lead over the Nets with the two teams tied in the loss column.
The Celtics and Pacers are right behind them in the standings, and any setback for the Heat could cost them dearly in the final two weeks of the season.
"We have no choice," Wade said of the team's fortunes. "We have eight games left. We just have to keep playing and keep fighting. We have a tough road trip coming up, three games in four nights. We just have to fight and do what we can. Hopefully we have a few more guys coming back on this road trip but if not then whoever is ready and in uniform will do their best."
Unfortunately, the hope that the team would be whole again remains a pipe dream with a never-ending shuffling of players returning from injury absences and those replacing them on the bench in street clothes.
The return of Hassan Whiteside, who finished with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting with six rebounds and two blocks, and Chris Andersen was tempered with the loss of Deng, who could have helped limit NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The injuries forced Spoelstra into using his 30th different starting lineup of the season, which tied a franchise record set in the 2007-08 season (when they won just 15 games).
Wade, like many of his teammates, refused to allow the lack of continuity to become an excuse for his team's play.
"It is unfortunate, but it is what it is," Wade said. "There are a lot of teams going through something; a lot of individuals around the league going through something. We are not looking for anyone to feel sorry for us. It has been a bizarre season. We just have to keep going until we can't anymore."
As the team prepares to make its final stand in their push for the playoffs, those who do remain healthy will undoubtedly put it all on the line as the season comes to a close. The only true question that remains is whether it will be enough to hold off the teams at their heels.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
