See what had happened was the Miami Heat stayed alive in the playoff hunt with a 100-93 win over the Orlando Magic.
Hassan Whiteside tied a career high with 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Whiteside had a double-double by halftime for the fourth time this season, and for the second straight game. Dwyane Wade scored 22 in the win.
“So you’re saying there’s a chance,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra deadpanned as he began his postgame press conference.
Miami had a 22-point lead whittled down to six in the final minute. But Luol Deng made a three-pointer with 32.6 seconds left to snap a streak of nine straight Miami misses, and the Heat held on.
There’s only one scenario where Miami would get in, in four parts. Washington must beat Indiana. Then not only would Miami have to win in Philadelphia, but Orlando would have to beat Brooklyn and Memphis would have to win versus the Pacers.
Chris Bosh’s birthday party the day after the loss to the Toronto Raptors and day before the Magic game was a motivating factor.
“Everybody came together, got a chance to get away from it and enjoy ourselves for a night,” Wade said. “He throws a hell of a shindig and we all enjoyed it.”
Orlando has lost 12 of 13 to Miami. It was the final home game of the season for the Heat. Miami finished 20-21 at home.
