Heat’s early lead crumbles in 109-100 preseason loss to Timberwolves in Kansas City

The Miami Heat appeared to have victory in their grasp in Kansas City, MO and cruise to victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 2-0 preseason record.

Instead they let a 15-point lead at halftime disappear when they allowed Minnesota to score 42 points in the third quarter for a 109-100 loss. Then again, it was primarily the reserves that played heavy minutes in the second half in a preseason game in which Erik Spoelstra continued to tinker with the rotation.

Hassan Whiteside led the Heat with 17 points and 12 rebounds with three blocks, with Goran Dragic added 16 points and five assists. Derrick Williams (six rebounds) and Dion Waiters (six assists, seven turnovers) came off the bench with 14 points each. None of the starters played more than 27 minutes tonight.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points.

Miami shot 46.3 percent from the field but just 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Tonight’s game was one of two preseason games that was not scheduled to be broadcast locally. Miami will hold a “Red, White & Pink” team scrimmage on Monday to benefit breast cancer awareness with tickets available online for $1. Fans can watch a live stream of the Red, White & Pink Game by logging on to HEAT.com.