After getting shellacked in Game 3, the Miami Heat came out more focused and energetic in Game 4.
For about three minutes.
Chris Bosh scored first, making a layup. And the Heat defense forced the Spurs to miss their first three shots. As a reminder, Miami didn’t force San Antonio’s third miss until midway through the second quarter in Game 3.
Everything was looking good – or at least good enough. But soon, it all unraveled.
That 2-0 lead would be the Heat’s last in their 107-86 Game 4 loss to the Spurs on Thursday.
That defeat ends Miami’s bid to break the NBA record for consecutive playoff games without back-to-back losses. The Heat, who had won their last 13 games following a loss, finish with the third-longest streak of postseason games without back-to-back losses:
- 54, Boston Celtics (1962-66)
- 52, Chicago Bulls (1990-93)
- 48, Miami Heat (2012-14)
Ever since losing three straight to the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, Miami had always summoned the necessary energy to win the next game. Now, the Heat look just old and beaten down.
