The Miami Heat delivered one of their most complete offensive performances of the season Friday night, rolling past the Washington Wizards 140–117 in a game that officially cemented Washington’s place at the bottom of the NBA standings.
With the loss, the Wizards (17–64) secured the league’s worst record and extended a difficult stretch that has seen them drop nine straight games and 25 of their last 26. Washington also became the first NBA team to lose at least 64 games in three consecutive seasons, joining historically struggling runs like the expansion-era Vancouver Grizzlies (1995–96 to 1997–98) and the Process-era Philadelphia 76ers (2013–14 to 2015–16).
Meanwhile, Miami (42–39) stayed sharp offensively despite missing its top two scorers, Norman Powell (right groin soreness) and Tyler Herro (right foot soreness), and locked in momentum ahead of its fourth straight appearance in the play-in tournament.
Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson each scored 24 points to lead a balanced Heat attack that overwhelmed Washington from the opening quarter. Miami also got a near triple-double performance from Bam Adebayo, who finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Adebayo continued his dominance against Washington this season, averaging 34.8 points in the matchup and scoring a remarkable 83 points against the Wizards on March 10th the second-most ever in a single game versus the franchise.
Miami seized control early and never looked back. A decisive 10–0 run late in the first quarter gave the Heat a lead they would not relinquish. They carried a 34–23 advantage after one quarter and stretched it to 72–52 by halftime while shooting a scorching 63.2% from the field in the opening half.
Washington made a push late in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 92–82, but Miami responded immediately. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored the final seven points of a 13–3 closing run in the period, restoring a comfortable cushion and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.
Rookie Bub Carrington led the Wizards with 30 points, while Bilal Coulibaly added 25 points, including 19 in the first half to keep Washington competitive early.
Miami dominated the season series, going 4–0 against Washington and averaging an impressive 143.5 points per game in those matchups a sign of the offensive rhythm the Heat have consistently found against the Wizards.
With one game left in the regular season, both teams now shift focus to their finales Sunday. The Heat return home to face the Atlanta Hawks as they prepare for postseason positioning in the play-in tournament, while the Wizards close out their season on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
