Miami Heat Team Report - February 24

(Basketball News) - The Miami Heat fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 89-81, on Monday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Lamar Odom poured in a game-high 25 points for the Heat, who had their four- game winning streak snapped. Dwyane Wade added 12 points and Eddie Jones contributed 11 points in the setback.

Miami held a 64-59 lead heading into the fourth quarter before the Blazers took control. Portland opened the final frame on a 14-0 flurry, turning a one- point deficit into a nine-point advantage. Damon Stoudamire’s trey ended the burst, making it a 73-64 contest, with 7:06 remaining.

Miami proved pesky as they answered with a 13-7 run, getting within three points at 80-77 after a jumper by Odom with 2:43 left. However, Zach Randolph’s basket would give the Blazers some breathing room at 82-77 with 1:44 left. The Heat got to within three points on two separate occasions, the last with 1:27 left in the game.

But that was as close as the Heat would get the rest of the way. Derek Anderson would drain a jumper to make it a 84-79 game with 43 seconds left. Miami missed several shots down the stretch and were forced to foul the Blazers the rest of the way. Portland hit 5-of-6 free throws in crunch time to preserve the victory.

Miami’s Rafer Alston has now hit a three pointer in 24 straight contests, the longest current streak in the NBA.

The Heat are off until Saturday when they visit Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets.