Miami Heat Suffer Eighth Straight Loss, Worst Skid in Spoelstra Era

The Miami Heat are in a deep slump, having lost eight consecutive games following a heart-breaking 116-113 defeat against the Detroit Pistons, where Cade Cunningham hit a buzzer-beater for the win. This marks the Heat's longest losing streak since 2008, and they have blown double-digit leads in a league-high 19 games this season. Head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed frustration, acknowledging the team's struggles and the need for improvement, especially after trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Miami now sits at No. 10 in the Eastern Conference, with a playoff spot becoming increasingly difficult as they are ten games below .500. Their inability to score, coupled with defensive lapses, has raised concerns about their postseason chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are on a positive trajectory, extending their winning streak to eight games, showcasing a stark contrast to the Heat's struggles.