The Miami Heat suffered yet another defeat on Monday, resulting in their eighth loss in a row, a harsh 116-95 outcome at the hands of the New York Knicks, who outplayed the Heat by 23 points in the second half. This losing streak marks the longest under their coach Erik Spoelstra.

“We’re all getting tested, including myself,” Spoelstra explained, noting the struggle to find answers for the team’s difficulties.

“The last two games haven’t felt like we were making strides,” he added, indicating a need for not just perseverance, but improvement as they navigate this adverse stretch of the season.

Moreover, this challenge places the franchise in a precarious position regarding their draft strategy as they find themselves slipping in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat hold a significant decision going into the drafting period while also eyeing their playoff positioning.