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The backstory of the Heat's recent defeat is troubling. They experienced one of the worst playoff halftime deficits in NBA history, trailing by an insurmountable 43-17 at the end of the first quarter. The game concluded with the Heat losing by 55 points to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who displayed prowess and skill that exposed the Heat’s shortcomings. Analysts from the Inside the NBA crew, including erstwhile players like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, openly criticized the team, suggesting a lack of effort and spirit, with Barkley characterizing their performance as "quitting at its finest."