DENVER _ This is why the ones that previously got away have the Miami Heat in a position where a season is slipping away.
Because competing almost to the finish against a playoff-desperate opponent like the Sacramento Kings isn't enough.
Because putting a scare into the Golden State Warriors can sour with one referee whistle that does sound.
Because playing the Denver Nuggets nearly even for a half eventually leads to wilting at altitude.
So, with Monday night's 103-87 loss to the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, it is now 10 losses in the last 14 games ... the type of skid more easily stomached if not for those hideous earlier losses to the likes of the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls.
The Heat, it could be argued, have played some of their best sustained ball at times during the first four games of this five-game trip that has produced only a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Because when the competition is severe, as it was Monday night, with center Nikola Jokic pacing the Nuggets with 23 points and 12 rebounds, good isn't good enough.
This time there was no heartbreak, as was the case with a dribbling violation went uncalled a night earlier against the Warriors Kevin Durant at the game's most crucial stage.
Because this time, unlike when Josh Richardson scored a career-high 37 points against the Warriors, there was no one up to the heavy lifting for the Heat.
Instead, with scoring still a struggle, Justise Winslow led the Heat with 15 points.
