I mentioned time is running out however the playoff push for the Miami Heat may just come down to the final remaining games of the season. The Heat began a three-game road trip against the resurging Boston Celtics. Without a music beat it went like this…
Heat were up by 15 in the second quarter.
Heat trailed the Celtics by 10 in the third.
Heat were up two with a little more than five minutes to play.
Isaiah Thomas scored 30 points, including 20 in the second half, and Boston beat the Heat 112-108 on Sunday night for its fourth straight victory.
Miami is now 0-4 against Boston this season, losing by eight, 10, three and four points.
Boston swept Miami in back-to-back seasons for the second time in franchise history. The first was 1988-89 and 1989-90.
The Celtics have now tied Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Now they’re focused on passing the Cavaliers.
Tyler Johnson had 24 points and James Johnson scored 20 for the Heat, who are a half-game ahead of the Bulls for the final playoff spot in the East. Chicago beat Milwaukee earlier in the day.
Hassan Whiteside has earned his check including the taxes deducted from it; he finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds for Miami. It was his 51st double-double of the season.
Whiteside has been playing with 13 stitches in his right hand and some padding and bandages to protect the injury.
“Very inspiring, just to see him out there battling,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Miami has lost three of the last four.
The Heat were up 15 early in the last loss to the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan scored 40 points (back-to-back) for the first time in his career. But the Raptors dotted the “i” defensively in the final three quarters to beat the Heat 101-84 the game before.
Heat guard Dion Waiters missed his fourth straight game against the Celtics with a sprained left ankle, and remains in a walking boot. There’s still no timetable for his return, but the Heat said the swelling in his ankle continues to decrease.
If you raise your Apple Watch, time is ticking. Miami has nine games remaining however they can win the next three: Detroit, New York and New York back at home.
Miami will be feeling the Heat to make the playoffs, let’s hope they don’t get burned.
Photo/RomanGaray/WORLDWIDEWEST
