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The Miami Heat’s story stayed the same Tuesday night. They came up short, dropping their sixth straight game of the season—this time to the Atlanta Hawks 93-90 in the American Airlines Arena.
It marked the first time Miami (2-8) has had a losing streak since the 15-win team from the 2007-08 season.
The Heat gained ground and led for the majority of the first and second quarters. They hung in there with one of the best teams in the East, but they lost their edge two minutes before the half and Atlanta (8-2) capitalized on their slip ups.
Miami overcame Atlanta’s 10-point lead in the third quarter and eventually pulled ahead by two points late in the quarter, keeping the game within reach.
Dwight Howard got his eighth double-double, despite playing just 24 minutes and leaving the game early with a left quad contusion.
Check this rim! pic.twitter.com/jEXRVOzkhv
— HaWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) November 16, 2016
The Hawks regained control for the remainder of the game. Miami trailed by one point twice in the final 13.6 seconds, getting tantalizingly close to clinching a solid win, but Atlanta sealed the win with its free throws.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says his team needs to keep working hard and staying positive to get out of their slump.
Two starters were out for Miami, which could have contributed to its setback against the Hawks. Goran Dragic was out with a sprained ankle and Justise Winslow sat with him with a bruised left wrist.
Heat center Hassan Whiteside recorded his ninth double-double in 10 games, finishing with 19 points and an NBA season-high 25 rebounds. Guard Josh Richardson added a season-high 19 points and Tyler Johnson scored 14 points.
"Hassan is putting himself out there in the competition. He's trying to make big time plays on both ends of the court." – Coach Spo pic.twitter.com/SjKOWjM9cb
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 16, 2016
Whiteside says Miami has to keep fighting through this tough stretch.
For the Hawks, guard Dennis Schroder put up 18 points, both Paul Millsap and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 and Mike Muscala added 14 points.
Atlanta’s win pushed their winning streak to five games.
Up Next
The Hawks will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Miami will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday at American Airlines Arena at 7:30 p.m.
