Miami Heat's Late Comeback Falls Short Against Pistons, Ending Six-Game Win Streak

The Miami Heat's six-game winning streak came to a halt with a narrow 138-135 loss against the Detroit Pistons on November 30, 2025. Miami, which had been riding high with a record of 13-7, faced a challenging test from the league-leading Pistons, who improved to 16-4. Despite a ferocious late-game comeback, the Heat found themselves down by as many as 22 points in the second half before they rallied to close the gap in the final minutes.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 29 points and 8 assists, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure, especially when it counted in the final moments of the game. Tobias Harris contributed significantly as well, scoring 26 points on an impressive 10 of 12 shooting. The standout performance from former Heat player Duncan Robinson also caught the attention of fans, as he returned to Miami for the first time since signing with Detroit. Robinson recorded 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 50% from the field, which drew praise from his former teammates.

The Heat's struggle with defense was evident throughout the game, as they allowed the Pistons to score 76 points in the paint and shot 59% from the field overall. Coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the team's defensive lapses, noting they were passive for much of the night and did not play to their identity. Miami's offensive efforts were led by Andrew Wiggins, who scored a game-high 31 points, while Norman Powell added 28 points, but their contributions weren't enough to overcome the early deficit. Tyler Herro, returning from injury, had a mixed performance, finishing with 24 points but struggling early in the game, going 1 for 10 in shooting at one point.

The game featured several lead changes, with Miami attempting a late push, outscoring Detroit 44-30 in the fourth quarter. However, the Pistons managed to hold on for the win, with key plays from Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins in the closing moments. Miami's missed opportunities were compounded by their 18 turnovers, which led to 28 points for Detroit. The Heat's recent history against the Pistons has been challenging, as they have lost their last four matchups, all decided by three points or less.

With Jaime Jaquez Jr. sidelined due to a groin injury, Nikola Jovic struggled to capitalize on an increased role, registering only 2 points and committing five turnovers in ten minutes. This game highlighted the need for Miami to find more consistent scoring options and defensive stability as they move forward. Coach Spoelstra remarked that despite the loss, the late-game performance showed glimpses of the aggressive style they need to adopt from the start.

The Heat will look to bounce back in their next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The loss to the Pistons underscores the need for Miami to address their late-game execution and defensive frailties if they wish to contend in the Eastern Conference, especially against a team like Detroit, which has proven to be a formidable opponent this season.