Heat Collapse Again as Knicks Rally for 116-112 Overtime Victory

The Miami Heat’s struggles to close out games continued Sunday night as they blew a 19-point lead in a crushing 116-112 overtime loss to the New York Knicks. This marks the 15th time this season that Miami has lost a game after leading by double digits, highlighting an ongoing issue that has plagued them throughout the year.

Miami seemed in full control early, dominating the first half with sharp execution on both ends of the floor. The Heat put up 62 first-half points on 65% shooting, consistently breaking down New York’s defense. Big men Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware feasted inside, combining for a flurry of dunks as Miami outscored the Knicks 40-20 in the paint before halftime. Ware was also a force defensively, setting a career-high with six blocks.

Despite the Heat’s offensive efficiency, the Knicks refused to back down. After trailing by 19 midway through the third quarter, New York closed the period on a 21-8 run, trimming Miami’s lead to just six heading into the fourth. The Heat briefly pushed their advantage back to 12 points, but once again failed to put the game away.

New York’s rally was powered by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, who took control after halftime, scoring 26 of his game-high 31 points in the second half and overtime. With just under three minutes remaining in regulation, the Knicks took their first lead of the game. The teams then traded blows down the stretch, with Tyler Herro knocking down a three-pointer and a midrange jumper to briefly put Miami ahead by four with 1:17 left.

However, the Knicks answered back. OG Anunoby and Brunson made consecutive layups to tie the game at 105 with 26.8 seconds left. After a missed shot by Herro, New York had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but Josh Hart’s attempt missed, sending the game to overtime.

Miami briefly regained the lead in overtime at 109-107, but New York responded with a 9-3 run to seal the win. The Heat had one last chance when Alec Burks hit a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit to two, but the Knicks iced the game at the free-throw line.

Adebayo was exceptional, finishing with 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting while adding seven rebounds and four assists. Ware had 12 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks in a breakout performance. But Herro struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 8-of-24 from the field and 2-of-11 from three-point range, finishing with 22 points.

This latest defeat continues Miami’s frustrating pattern of failing to hold onto leads. Despite shooting 53.6% from the field, the Heat were outscored 71-50 in the second half and overtime, a drastic turnaround from their dominant first half.

With the loss, Miami remains in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, holding a slim lead over the Orlando Magic. Injuries also remain a concern, with key rotation players Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Andrew Wiggins all sidelined. The Heat have now used 16 different starting lineups this season, a testament to their instability.

As the playoff race tightens, Miami must find a way to hold onto leads and finish games strong. Otherwise, their postseason hopes could take a serious hit.

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