Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Miami-Houston
Shorthanded squad can’t close out final game of road trip
In Texas, Rockets beat the Heat 99-90.
HOUSTON — The Miami Heat view it as only making them stronger.
Each time they play short-handed, it only builds their resilience. And if this keeps up, they should be more than ready when it comes time for the final postseason push after the NBA All-Star Break.
The Heat fell 99-90 to the Houston Rockets Monday at Toyota Center but it was another one of those losses accompanied with positives. They fought the No. 2 team in the Western Conference to end while playing without two of its top three active scorers.
“That just shows what we’re made out of,” guard Wayne Ellington said. “Those type of games and situations like that show our character. It’s been all season, even last season. So we’re used to it, man. It’s not new for us. So our mentality is, next man up. And that’s what it’s got to be.”
The Heat were once again mithe
nus injured guards Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson, who were ruled out after the morning shootaround. Wayne Ellington started in place of Dragic while Derrick Jones Jr., filled in for Johnson, a lineup the Heat may have to grow accustomed to because there is no timetable on their return.
“I don’t know about close to a return, but they’re definitely making progress,” Spoelstra said. “Both of them were able to do a little bit on the court this morning. They both were active (Sunday). All of those signs are great.”
Despite the key absences, the Heat were in it until Rockets guard James Harden scored five straight points, including a 3-pointer just as time expired on the 24-second shot-clock with 3 minutes, 5 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Trailing 93-90, the Heat had had one last chance but Ellington missed a driving layup. Paul then hit a jumper with 38.8 seconds to put it away.
The Heat were unable to finish a strong start fueled by center Hassan Whiteside, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Whiteside, who was 11 of 16 from the field, helped them shoot 71 percent in the first quarter.
“We’re not the only ones that go through it,” Spoelstra said of playing through injuries. “It’s how you handle it, how you manage it. I like those periods of the season where you have to show some grit. We always felt going into this season depth was one of our strengths and you need it when have guys missing games. I’ve enjoyed guys stepping up and being productive and being ready when they’ve been called on.”
The Heat led by many as 14 before the Rockets made their way back, largely in part to utilizing a smaller lineup. Still, Houston was held to a season-low 46 points in the first half and it was just the third time it didn’t reach 50 by halftime this season. The slow start could have been likely attributed to the Rockets still celebrating their victory against the Golden State Warriors Friday.
By the third quarter, they were playing like what most consider the strongest challenger to the Warriors’ three-year reign as champs in the West. Led Harden, who scored a game-high 28 points, the Rockets erased the firsthalf, double-digit deficit. A 3-pointer by Harden tied it at 55 and two possessions later guard Paul hit a jumper in the paint to give the Rockets their first lead.
The loss dropped the Heat to 2-3 on the fivegame road trip. The schedule doesn’t get any easier. After a two-game homestand that begins Thursday against the Sacramento Kings, they play four straight away from home.