Miami Heat Collapse in Bay Area, Loss to Golden State Warriors

The Miami Heat will not surpass .500 following the completion of this five-game Western Conference road trip because of Thursday night's 120-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco (CA).

Despite a strong start in the first quarter, the momentum flipped in the rest of the game.

The Warriors outscored the Heat from the second to the fourth quarter 104-71. Superstar Steph Curry led with a game-high 29 points on 47.4 percent shooting, including six three-pointers made, a rebound, four assists, and a steal in 28 minutes. After a slow first half, the 38-year-old soon erupted coming out of halftime.

Curry went into the locker room with just seven points in the first 24 minutes of regulation, then scored 22, including 14 points in the third quarter. Once the 12-time All-Star got going, there was no going back.

The Heat were outrebouned, outpaced, and outworked in the paint. These three factors were the main reasons for the poor results. Despite not playing a true seven-footer, the Warriors controlled the glass 44-39. The Heat have been outrebounded six of nine games to start this season, all resulting in losses.

A common denominator.

The Warriors dominated with 21 fast-break points to the Heat's seven. Despite the lack of size, they make up for it with speed, which then plays a role in scoring 50 points in the paint. As the Warriors run up and down the court, the Heat's defense doesn't get a chance to set itself.

Although the Heat had six players score in double figures, including double-doubles by All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, it wasn't enough to overcome the defensive lapses that have shown early this season.

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg followed Curry with 17 points on 42.9 percent shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block in 30 minutes. Plus, Draymond Green only scored two points, but grabbed five rebounds and finished with a new season-high 11 assists.

The Heat fall to 3-6 this season, 1-3 on this road trip. They will have an opportunity to bounce back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, followed by the Utah Jazz. The Heat will need as much momentum as possible before a five-game home stand, with four opponents (Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder) at least at .500.

It's still early in the season, but concerns have been raised, as championship contention status is becoming doubtful.

More Miami Heat News:

- "Miami Heat Enhance Dwyane Wade's Statue Two Years Since the Unveil"

- "Bam Adebayo: 'I Never Wanted to be Captain'"

- "Miami Heat's First Season Win Comes on Adebayo's Record-Breaking Night"