In a stunning loss representing the latest blow to their playoff chances, the Miami Heat could not hold on to a 15-point lead against the Detroit Pistons with seven minutes left in a 99-98 defeat Saturday.
Miami was in control of the game and had the victory in hand but allowed a 23-5 run in which they missed six of their last seven shots while Detroit made their final eight shots.
The latest heartbreaking defeat for the Heat is another setback in a difficult season sinks them to the ninth spot in the East. The Boston Celtics were able to defeat the Toronto Raptors on a buzzer-beater in overtime to take the eighth and final playoff spot by a half game over the Heat.
Miami's offense had been led by Dwyane Wade, but it fell apart in the closing minutes of the game in which the ball failed to move and players took turns attempting shots.
Wade had turned in a brilliant first half performance with 16 points on 7-8 shooting in 18 minutes, including 13 points in the second quarter. Along with backcourt mate Goran Dragic, who scored 12 points in the second, the duo led the Heat back from being down 11 points in the first quarter to lead by 11 in the second.
Detroit made their first seven shots to race out to an early lead and held a 26-15 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter. Andre Drummond owned the paint early, forcing Whiteside into two early fouls, and overwhelming the Heat on pick-and-roll plays to the basket. He had seven points in the first quarter as did guard Reggie Jackson, but their offense wilted soon after and the Heat took control of the game on both ends.
Wade and Dragic not only consistently scored but helped conduct a crisp Heat offense that had shot well from the field. Whiteside was a force inside for much of the game and helped limit Drummond's production as the Heat's anchor on defense. Even with his hand heavily bandaged, Whiteside continued to display his knack for scoring around the rim and contesting just about every rebounding opportunity that went his way.
All of the hard work the Heat put in to take the commanding lead late in the game was lost, with a tough road game facing them Sunday against the Indiana Pacers.
THE TURNING POINT
The incredible run to finish the game came out of nowhere and gave the Pistons their first lead of the second half with five seconds left.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Reggie Jackson played well the entire game but was simply unstoppable in crunch time. He led his team with 29 points and 11 assists.
STAT OF THE GAME
The win appeared to have been in hand and it would have allowed the Heat to take the seventh playoff spot after the Brooklyn Nets were blown out by the Atlanta Hawks. Instead, they are on the outside looking in two spots below in the standings.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Heat face the Pacers on Sunday at 6 p.m.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
