Heat's biggest issue in loss vs. Thunder is becoming untimely trend

"The Oklahoma City Thunder bested the Miami Heat 124-112, handing Miami its third-straight loss for the first time since the New Year. While the Heat also underwent a separate five-game losing streak in December, the Heat are in the middle of arguably their worst three-game stretch of the season. They have lost each of the last three games by double figures - something that hasn't happened up to this point - with an average point differential of 21.3 points."

""We have to be overall tougher with everything," "I felt like we brought a physical toughness. But the mental toughness (is) when the momentum starts to swing the other way, it doesn't have to be a 12-to-14 to two run. That can be half that. You hold the fort. You don't fuel it with turnovers or poor defensive possessions. We will get better at that. Hopefully, we will be in a lot more of these kinds of close games where we can feel that emotion collectively and respond in a better way.""

"Dating back to the Heat's 28-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, Miami has been outscored by 46 after halftime in its three-game losing streak. However, the struggles extend beyond that date. Miami is toward the middle of the pack of second-half NET Rating for the season (minus-0.8). But they own the seventh-worst NET in second halves since the start of December, including the third-worst since the turn of the calendar."

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Miami Heat 124-112, marking Miami's third consecutive loss and its worst three-game stretch of the season. Miami has lost each of its last three games by double digits, averaging a 21.3-point differential. The Thunder outscored Miami by 17 in the second half, including a 64-39 edge through the first 17:28, while Miami managed a late run that only partially reduced the deficit. Coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the need for overall and mental toughness and pointed to turnovers as a key reason opponents regained control. Miami's second-half NET Rating has worsened since December.

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