Every time the Miami Heat gives their fans a reason to think they can be a top team going into the playoffs, the team pulls off another stinker. After winning three straight while averaging 114 points in their last two games, LeBron and company shot just 38 percent from the floor and ended with just 85 points in a loss to the Thunder.

Oklahoma City was led by Kevin Durant who scored 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting and Russell Westbrook who chipped in 18 more in the 96-85 road win.

Leading the Heat were Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade who both finished with 21 points with the third Big Three member LeBron James adding 19 points. Bosh also lead the team with 11 rebounds and has been coming on stronger since he commented to the media about the coach’s lack of using him in more key situations.

With the win, the Thunder are on a five-game win streak and are sitting in the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

With the loss the Heat (46-22) sit three games behind the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls in their race for the No. 1 seed in the East. Another speed bump in that road is the fact the Heat have four more losses and would lose the tie breakers with both those teams.

Used with permission of the author.

Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.

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