Miami Heat lose fourth consecutive game

The Miami Heat suffered a fourth straight loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Tuesday night. LeBron James returned to the line-up, after missing two games due to a sprained ankle. Despite the fact he hadn't played in almost a week, LeBron James came back ready to go, putting up 34 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Bosh who suffered an ankle sprain in the team's last outing against the Chicago Bulls, did not suit-up for the game. Dwyane Wade had a decent game, but struggled from three point range shooting 0-4. He finished the game with 27 points and 6 rebounds. Both superstars struggled with ball control, turning the ball over 6 times a piece.

The lowlight of the game was when the Miami heat started fading away, during the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. The Heat blew a 5 point lead, and allowed the Hawks to close up the gap. The Heat did have a chance to win the game during the last few minutes, but the team seemed hesitant and LeBron James ended up having to settle for a long three point shot that missed the mark.

Towards the end of overtime; with the Heat down by two points, the Heats final chance to tie the game went out the window when LeBron settled for a long three point shot. It was surprising to see LeBron take the shot, since there was still time on the clock for a much safer play.

With the Heat now losing their fourth game in a row, the Heat need to pull together and reestablish their dominance. Luckily for them, this is a good time to do just that, as they get three days to rest and prepare for their next game. Their next game will be on Saturday, when they host the visiting Toronto Raptors.

Even with the recent struggles of the Miami Heat; they still have the second best record in the NBA eastern conference. Hopefully, Joel Anthony can turn the 16 rebounds he pulled down tonight into a regular habit, and establish the inside presence the Heat have been missing.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years.
 
Sources:
Associated Press, " LeBron James returns but Heat drop fourth straight... " ESPN
All stats and game information from espn.com