Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe Miami Heat began the month of March with a 6-1 record, and the team appeared to be making significant strides after back-to-back victories over the L.A. Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.After losing four in a row to end their February schedule, Miami began playing their best offensive stretch of the season. In their six wins in March, they're averaging over 107 points, well above the team's season average of 96.2.But in the middle of their two three-game winning streaks was an ugly 83-78 meltdown loss to the Seattle Seahawks jersey
Charlotte Bobcats. That was a game Miami was up by nine in the fourth quarter, before getting outscored 21-12 in the final period.The loss again raised season-long questions about the Heat's lack ofconsistency. Head coach Eric Spoelstra was againcriticizedfor his late-game rotation; Michael Beasley was left out of all but one minute of the fourth quarter.It seems this is the same story that's been coming out of Miami all season.But then the Heat won another three games in a row and the frustration of the fans temporarily came to a halt.Dwyane Wade looked like, well Dwyane Wade again. Quentin Richardson continued to shine from long-range, under the basket, and on defense. It appeared like the Heat really got a steal when they traded bench warmer Mark Blount for the well-traveled swingman.Jermaine O'Neal has been playing better as of late, and Carlos Arroyo has quelled any immediate issues at the point since the season-long suspension of Rafer Alston. Even James Jones made an impression in his relief of Dorell Wright; Wright was suspended two games following a DIU arrest last week.And then all that confidence that's been building, all the momentum that turned the Heat's way, it simply disappeared overnight.On Tuesday, Miami got embarrassed by the San Antonio Spurs in a 88-76 beatdown that was much worse than the box score would suggest.The Heat trailed by 15-20 points for most of the evening, entering the fourth quarter down 71-54. Beyond Wade, no one on the roster put up much of a fight.That's all that really needs to be said about the loss.The issue is bigger than that though. Was Tuesday's game a slip up or was the 6-1 start to March an anomaly?The victories over the Lakers and Hawks were impressive and shouldn't be discounted. But the Heat have a history of St. Louis Rams jersey
stepping up for big time games on occasion and then disappearing once the limelight fades.If you've followed this team recently, that much should be evident to you.Since beating the Lakers and Hawks, Miami lost to the Bobcats and then beat a Clippers team that's now lost eight in a row. After that, they beat a Bulls team that's also in the middle of an eight-game losing streak.Their last win was a 104-91 victory over the 76ers, who've gone 1-9 in their last 10. Then the Heat came back down to earth against the Spurs.From looking at the list, the soft schedule probably played a big role in Miami's recent surge up the Eastern Conference ladder. That andsimultaneousslumps by the Raptors and Bulls has the Heat sitting comfortably in playoff position.So while fans can be pleased about the way things have gone recentlydespite the no-show in Tuesday's game against San Antonioit must be taken with a grain of salt.Miami beat up on bad teams that were playing some of their worst basketball of the season. Yes, they also beat the Lakers and Hawks. But don't ignore that L.A. went on a three-game losing streakbeginningwith that loss, and Atlanta dropped two of their next three.The Heat caught them at the right time.In a 88-76 win to the Spurs sings closer to home than a 6-1 start to March. That's who Miami's Tennessee Titans jersey
been this season, and while the season draws to a close, it doesn't appear that will change.The Orlando Magic (47-21) come into town on Thursday. That game will go a long way toward proving which Heat team is the fraud.Is it the one that won six of seven, and six straight at home? Or the one that was down by 20 points for most of Tuesday night?Tune in and you'll get a better idea. After all, with the game on TNT, most of the country will get to see what's what.Follow Michael on Twitter here
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