**Heat Lose To Knicks, Drop To .500 After Second Half Collapse**

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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Heat Lose to Knicks, Drop to .500 After Second Half Collapse

The Miami Heat suffered a disappointing loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, falling 112-100 at Madison Square Garden. The defeat drops Miami to a .500 record (24-24) and marks their second consecutive loss.

A Tale of Two Halves

The Heat started the game strong, showcasing their trademark intensity and fluid offense. They built a comfortable lead in the first half, leading by as many as 16 points. Jimmy Butler was dominant, scoring 17 points in the first two quarters, while Bam Adebayo controlled the paint, adding 10 points and 7 rebounds.

However, the second half saw a complete shift in momentum. The Knicks, fueled by a relentless defense and the emergence of Jalen Brunson, stormed back into the game. Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points, including 15 in the third quarter, while the team collectively outscored the Heat 34-18 in the period.

Defensive Lapses and Offensive Stagnation

The Heat's defensive intensity, which had been a hallmark of their recent success, seemed to vanish in the second half. The Knicks were able to drive to the basket with ease, scoring at will, and forcing Miami into turnovers.

On the offensive end, the Heat struggled to maintain their rhythm. They shot a dismal 36.5% from the field in the second half, including a 1-for-12 performance from three-point range. The Knicks' defense, which was swarming and aggressive, forced Miami into contested shots and disrupted their offensive flow.

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, the Heat have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They have the talent and the potential to make a deep playoff run. However, they need to find a way to maintain their focus and intensity for a full four quarters. They also need to address their inconsistency on offense, particularly from beyond the arc.

The Heat will have a chance to bounce back on Friday night when they face the Brooklyn Nets at home. It will be a crucial game for Miami as they look to get back on track and regain their winning ways.