Nothing kills momentum in sports quite like injuries. The Miami Heat are in a fight for a playoff spot, but they just can't seem to stay healthy. Hassan Whiteside returned against the Spurs, but did not start, while Chris Andersen and Michael Beasley played after recent injuries. However, when these three important pieces returned, Luol Deng, Udonis Haslem, and Shabazz Napier were out. This team just can't seem to win when it comes to health.
The Spurs took care of their business, winning the game 95-81. The defense of the Spurs held Miami to 40.5 percent shooting, while they shot 50 percent themselves on offense. Kawhi Leonard led the way, totaling 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and four steals. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Boris Diaw also chipped in double digit scoring. Also worth noting, San Antonio shot 44 percent on three-point attempts, which is a number they would love to maintain come playoff time.
Dwyane Wade scored only 15 points on 6-of-20 shooting and did not look his best on defense. Goran Dragic added 19, but only had three assists. Whiteside and Mario Chalmers also each notched 10 points, while Andersen added 10 rebounds.
Miami is now 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the sixth seed, but they are a half-game ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and one game ahead of the Boston Celtics for the seventh seed. Interestingly enough, if things hold out, Miami would play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. Given the recent history between the two teams, this is a matchup that many basketball fans would love to see.
The Heat will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers in their next game on Thursday. The Spurs remain in Florida as they will clash against the Orlando Magic tomorrow, April 1st.