The Miami Heat followed an impressive road win against one of the West's best teams by losing to the conference's worst.
Then again, that shouldn't be a surprise. The Heat's season to date has been filled with inconsistencies.
Dwyane Wade had 19 points to lead five Heat players scoring in double figures during a 94-89 loss at Utah on Saturday night. It was the two-time defending champs' ninth defeat at the hands of a sub-.500 opponent.
Miami entered the game coming off a 116-112 win at the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
LeBron James tied his season-low with 13 points and had seven rebonds for the Heat (35-14), who had a three-game winning streak snapped. Miami lost for the fourth time in five visits to Utah (17-32).
Chris Bosh had 13 points and seven rebounds. Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole each scored 12 points.
The Heat fell to 0-3 this season when scoring less than 90 points.
Miami cut a 14-point deficit to trail 52-50 at halftime but failed to get its offense going in the third quarter, when both teams scored 16 points.
The Heat trailed 32-20 after the first quarter. The Jazz went on an 18-4 run late and shot 62 percent, with one turnover.
THE TURNING POINT
With Miami down 93-89, Ray Allen missed a 3-pointer with 19 seconds left. Bosh grabbed the rebound, which led to a drive by Wade with :11 showing. The All-Star guard missed the layup, with Gordon Hayward grabbing the rebound. James fouled Hayward, who sank two free throws.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Guard Gordon Hayward only scored nine points but he had nine rebounds, 11 assists and three steals. He also was the difference in the final seconds.
STAT OF THE GAME
James hit just 4 of 13 shots and Bosh sank 3 of 12.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Heat continue their road string by visiting Phoenix at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
You can follow Charlie McCarthy on Twitter @mccarthy_chas or email him at mac1763@bellsouth.net.
