This time, the Heat didn't wait until the fourth quarter to unravel.

Just for variety, Miami began its collapse immediately after halftime.

Doomed by a season-high 22 turnovers and betrayed by shoddy defense and subpar point-guard play, the Heat subjected its fans to another pitiful performance Friday in a 95-86 loss to Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey.

``I'm absolutely embarrassed to have somebody beat me that way,'' coach Pat Riley said. ``We got out-played, out-coached, out-moved, out-dunked, out-run, out-everything. I got outclassed, period. Our defense was deplorable. They ran that thing down our throat. There isn't anybody that we played this year that has played like that.''

In a season of lowlights, the Heat's second-half performance ranks among the most dismal. Unable to complete simple post entry passes, Miami scored 34 points and committed 15 turnovers after intermission.

All this happened after Miami scored a season-high 32 points in the second quarter to pull ahead 52-48 at the break.

Losing for the eighth time in its past nine home games, the Heat (4-17) added urgency to Riley's pregame admission that he needs to acquire a point guard or another perimeter player ``who can shoot.''