Tass Mellis

They gave up 136 to the Hornets, 134 to the Lakers, 136 to the Spurs, then 149 to the Cavs, 135 to the Pacers this weekend.

They've held an opponent under 120 once in those nine games, and they're 26th in defense in their last nine.

Hasn't coincided perfectly with Norm Powell returning.

He didn't play yesterday against the Pacers, but it's pretty close when you're looking at when the defensive turn really started for the Heat.

This is not a team that is good enough offensively to cruise through things here and try and just outscore teams.

They've got to give an effort on the defensive end.

Right now, it's looking like the best they can do is 8th.

in the Eastern Conference.

I think that's pretty disappointing considering two weeks ago they were on their seven-game win streak, had gotten into sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Would have been nice for Miami to not have to go through the play-in tournament once again.

You know, it looks like the Bulls aren't going to make the play-in tournament this year.

Hawks might get out.

Raptors might get out.

Just the lonely old heat sticking around in the play-in tournament.

Don't think this is the way they thought their season was going to go.

Especially, like I'm saying, they had this win streak.

Hero was back.

They're getting Norm Powell.

Wiggins came back from a little time on the shelf.

They got as healthy as they possibly can, and for whatever reason, they're just falling apart on the defensive end.