Why are the Miami Heat struggling to beat rival teams?

The Miami Heat have an ongoing problem performing well against playoff teams this season.

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic embarrassed the Heat in the season opener, followed by a loss to the New York Knicks on October 30, and the final one against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.

The last time the Heat won a game against a contending team was last season, on April 2, against the Knicks, 109-99.

The Heat’s lackluster third quarter is one of the reasons they can’t pull off commendable wins. They are building a reputation this season for taking their foot off the gas pedal at halftime.

By eliminating the point gap in the third quarter, the Heat outscored their opponents by nine points. The Heat have yet to figure out a solution to their problem.

The Heat’s schedule isn’t getting any easier. The next three games will be against strong Western Conference teams. On Wednesday night, the Heat will take on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns.

After meeting the Suns, the team will take on the Denver Nuggets. Finally, the young and hungry Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, on November 10. These games are crucial for the Heat as they need to avoid a losing streak and third quarter misery.

There needs to be a team that started the season with a lot of optimism and decided to turn it around with the same roster.

Miguel Mike Medina is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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