The Miami Heat have a constant problem performing well against playoff teams this season.

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic embarrassed the Heat in the season opener, followed by a loss to the New York Knicks on Oct. 30 and the final loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.

The last time the Heat won a game against a contending team was last season, on April 2, against the Knicks, 109-99.

The Heat’s lackluster third quarters are one of the reasons they can’t pull off commendable wins. This season they are earning a reputation for letting their foot off the accelerator coming out of halftime.

By eliminating the third quarter point differential, the Heat are outscoring their opponents by nine points. The Heat have yet to find a solution to their problem.

The Heat’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. The next three games will be on the road against strong Western Conference teams. On Wednesday night, the Heat will face Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns.

After facing the Suns, the team will face the Denver Nuggets. Finally, the young and hungry Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, on November 10. These games are vital for the Heat as they must avoid a losing streak and third-quarter misery.

A team must present itself that came into the season with a lot of optimism and decided to repeat it with the same squad.

Miguel Mike Medina is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be contacted at [email protected]

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