Heat drop first of season

Courtesy: ESPN

The Heat fell to the Rockets 108-91 losing their first game of the season.  Despite the lopsided score, the game was closer than the final outcome.  The wheels looked like they were going to come off at the start of the second half, but the Heat stayed in it.  After Miami cut the lead down to four at 86-90 midway through the fourth quarter, the Rockets went on a 18-5 run to close out the game.  The Heat are now 3-1 after facing their toughest opponent of the season.

What happened in this game will be a reoccurring theme throughout this season: The Heat struggled to put the ball in the basket.  Houston is an improved defensive team, but Miami went through long stretches where the offense looked completely out of sync.  Mario Chalmers led the team with five turnovers, three of which happened within two minutes of each other.  Norris Cole also struggled failing to record a point.  Rookie Shabazz Napier showed a few bright spots and played crucial fourth quarter minutes for the fourth time in as many games.  The Heat left 10 points at the free throw line shooting just 17-27 (63%).

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, "the Perfect Duo," as dubbed by ESPN, put together solid performances.  After being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Bosh continued his streak of twenty point games by scoring 21.  He also added eight boards.  Dwyane Wade scored 19 points, but had a few mental lapses down the stretch.  He took two ill-advised threes and turned the ball over on an out-of -control play which led to a Houston layup.

After allowing only 17 three-pointers in the first three games, the Heat gave up 17 threes to the Rockets.  The rotations were quick at times, but there were numerous occasions where players simply fell asleep.  Houston lives by the three and they feasted tonight.  James Harden had 25-10-9 and Dwight Howard added 26-10.

The Heat look to bounce back against the Hornets tomorrow night.

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