INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 This hasn\u2019t been just about Friday night\u2019s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the middle of this three-game trip, although that was as bad as it ever has gotten over the Heat\u2019s 38 seasons, in allowing 149 points.<\/p>\n
No, this now stands as a trend \u2014 at the worst of all possible times.<\/p>\n
Over the past seven games, a stretch the Heat have gone 1-6, Erik Spoelstra\u2019s team stands third worst in the NBA in defensive rating, with only the lottery-bound Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers worse, and only marginally better than bottom-feeders such as the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.<\/p>\n
Lately it has been D as in dreadful.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve put in the time. The guys have put in blood, sweat and tears to develop a top-four defense two weeks ago. And when we need it the most is when we\u2019ve let it disappear,\u201d Spoelstra said, with the Heat turning their attention to Sunday\u2019s game against the Pacers. \u201cAnd that\u2019s just unacceptable at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
As in a time when the Heat have only eight games remaining in their regular season, standing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference play-in race<\/a> amid a slump that has followed a seven-game winning streak.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s disappointing,\u201d Spoelstra said. \u201cWe have it in us, and when there\u2019s the most pressure is when we need it the most right now. And I hope we\u2019re taking it to heart.\u201d<\/p>\n