In the second game of a back-to-back, the Miami Heat dropped another game to the Indiana Pacers, losing 109-106. The Heat’s current three-game skid has placed a pause on their rapid climb up the rankings. The balanced Pacers attack kept the Heat from ever taking control of the game. Without their playmaker in Goran Dragic, Miami was only able to push the game to OT, ending with a missed Jimmy Butler three-pointer.
Notable Performers
A highly efficient night overall for the Indiana Pacers with a balanced attack gave them the edge against the Miami Heat during their matchup on Sunday afternoon. The Pacers had seven players in double figures in the scoring category with Malcolm Brogdon leading the way in assists with 10 and Domantas Sabonis leading the team in rebounds with 11. Myles Turner had another fantastic defensive performance with five blocks, helping slow down the tide against the Heat. Both T.J. McConnell and Doug McDermott provided efficient shooting efforts off the bench, each shooting better than 70% from the field.
For the Heat, Bam Adebayo had 29 points, with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler lead Miami in rebounds with 15, and added 21 points of his own.
“Losing sucks,” Heat center Bam Adebayo said. “It is either winning or losing, there is no in between. Nobody wants to lose three games in a row considering we fought back from being in the bottom of the East. We are going to figure it out and get back in it.”
What’s Next?
Miami’s next test will come against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Jae Crowder will make his return to Miami, after helping guide the team to the NBA Finals last year.