Miami Heat Team Report - December 4

(Basketball News) - The Miami Heat fell to the Detroit Pistons, 87-73, Wednesday at the Palace.

Lamar Odom posted 22 points and a season-high 14 rebounds for the Heat, who have dropped two of their last three contests. Dwyane Wade and Rafer Alston each chipped in 15 in the loss.

Detroit grabbed a 16-6 lead on a pair of free throws by Chauncey Billups midway through the first quarter. The lead grew to 15 on Tayshaun Prince’s bucket later in the frame and the Pistons enjoyed a 32-18 edge after one period.

The Heat closed within 41-32 on Wade’s basket with just under five minutes remaining in the first half, but Detroit stretched its advantage to 18 points at 52-34 at halftime.

Richard Hamilton’s three-point play at the midpoint of the third quarter widened the gap to 62-42, but the Heat trimmed the deficit to 66-57 later in the frame. Detroit carried a 68-57 cushion into the final period.

Eddie Jones’ three-pointer early in the fourth cut the gap to 70-64, but Detroit ran off eight straight points to claim a 14-point edge and put the game out of reach.

The Heat are off until Friday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers.