The Miami Heat canceled practice and their media availability one day after a blowout loss in Game 3 to the Pacers.
The team gave no immediate reason for Friday’s decision, which was announced on the Heat’s media telephone hotline.
No big deal or big trouble?!
Per NBA rules, teams are not required to meet with the media if they don’t hold practice. The Pacers also will not hold practice. Game 4 is Sunday in Indianapolis.
The Heat lost 94-75 Thursday night and trail Indiana 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Miami’s latest defeat was magnified by a sideline confrontation between star guard Dwyane Wadeand coach Erik Spoelstra. The two exchanged words during one of the worst playoff games of Wade’s career. He scored just five points on 2-of-13 shooting and after the game refused to discuss what happened with Spoelstra.
Wade has been slowed by lingering injuries and needed treatment in recent days for knee and leg soreness. The Heat also are without power forwardChris Bosh, who has an abdominal strain.
“It’s obvious he wasn’t himself,” LeBron James said after Game 3. “Does he want to play better? Of course. He’s one of the best players in the world.”
Wade downplayed the potential of having a serious injury, though he did snag his right hand on the net trying to make a block in the first half.
Guard Mario Chalmers fell on his wrist late in the game and had an X-ray, which came back negative. He wore a large ice bag after the game, and the Heat said he’ll be re-evaluated Friday.
Information from The Associated Press and ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols was used in this report & FULL STORY HERE
