The Miami Heat are one game from elimination following their 99-91 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
The Raptors lead the best of seven series 3-2 and would host a potential game seven in Toronto. Miami was within striking distance until the final minute, but clutch shooting from Kyle Lowry proved to be too much in the end.
Miami was without the services of Hassan Whiteside once again as he continues to battle an MCL sprain. Whiteside did not travel with the team, and is unlikely to play again in the series. While the center has not been ruled out, it would be a surprise if Whiteside is able to play prior to a potential series in the next round.
Dwyane Wade was welcomed to Toronto with boos following a controversial pregame routine. Prior to the third game of the series in Miami, Wade was seen practicing during the Canadian national anthem. The All-Star has since apologized for this, but it appears the fans in Toronto did not forget. The guard was booed loudly nearly every time he touched the ball.
Toronto took a ten-point lead into the second quarter, and maintained that same advantage going into the half. Miami did a solid job of staying in the game as Toronto had chances to put the game out of reach early.
In the third quarter, the Raptors extended their lead to 13 in what was the lowest scoring quarter of the game. Both teams posted their smallest tallies with Toronto outscoring Miami 20-17. In the fourth quarter, Toronto had its lead at 15 before Miami made it a game again. Josh Richardson was a big reason for a solid run by the Heat with three quick treys.
Miami lost Luol Deng for the game during the third quarter. Deng injured his left wrist and was unable to return. The veteran was 0-8 from the field before exiting and had four points overall.
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Wade led Miami in scoring with his 20 points to go along with seven rebounds. The veteran also had four assists and a block.
On Friday, the series will head back to Miami for a sixth game at 8 p.m.
