hile it is difficult to exaggerate the demise of the Miami Heat as they occupy last place in the Atlantic Division, president/head coach Pat Riley contends that reports of his downfall have been overstated. Rumors that Riley would step down from his coaching position were just that, rumors. A healthier lifestyle, not frustration over the Heat's record (7-23 after last night's 89-66 win at the FleetCenter), is responsible for the thinner Riley.

When asked if he was a coach on the ledge, Riley said, ''Nope. I'm not. Everybody is writing I am. The thing about coaching that I've found out