First Half: 

The Pistons scored the first five points to open this one, while Miami worked to get into rhythm. It was Duncan who’d anchor the offense to start with some exceptional play beyond the arc and at the rim.

Detroit despite its poor record played competitively and forced Miami to work. Even with Jovic, shooting and slashing to the rim well the Heat’s lead remained slim at 4 with Jaden Ivey causing issues for the Heat on the other end. Jimmy and Bam got going somewhat allowing the Heat to maintain its lead and expand on it conservatively. Miami’s reserves were solid early on with Caleb Martin playing crafty basketball, Highsmith hitting from beyond the arc and Jaquez forcing himself to the line. Just like that the Heat went up 10 headed into the second quarter.

Miami’s reserves stayed hot with Caleb continuing his offensive assault on the Pistons. He was so aggressive tonight, it reminded me of his postseason self. If Caleb, who’s had a tough season due to injury, is finally turning a corner – it’s definitely at the right time. Caleb had 15 + points in the first half.

Even with Caleb lighting things up the Pistons managed to hang within striking distance. It didn’t help that Bam struggled to score in this one, and that Miami was undisciplined defensively fouling often. Miami close the half strong with Jimmy and Duncan scoring consecutive buckets, still Detroit fought hard keeping things close. Miami would head into the second half up only two.

Second Half:

The Pistons stole back the lead to start the second half as Miami struggled offensively. Thankfully it seemed as if Bam found his groove as he scored multiple bunnies and a beautiful turnaround jumper for a quick six points. Jimmy would also get involved and tie the game back up, and a big Terry bucket would put the Heat ahead once again. Duncan and Bam would close a 12-0 run for Miami, and suddenly the Heat were firmly in the driver’s seat.

Miami continued to build its lead with Terry and Jovic surging expanding the run to 15-0. Jovic has really become an essential part of this Heat offense. His ability to play-make in transitions as well as space the floor in a set-offense makes him a real threat who is improving in real-time. Unfortunately he’d also be forced to leave the game after a second technical, the refs just don’t seem to appreciate Niko the way we do.

Even with Miami’s impressive run, Detroit did not go silently into the night clawing back to within two off great play from Fontecchio. Caleb Martin would return after hurting his ankle in the first half dispelling any major injury concerns. After Detroit’s 15-5 run, the Heat would regain its bearings toward the end of the third quarter thanks to good decision making from Jaime, and Bam as well as one beautiful fade away from Jimmy.

Jimmy kept momentum going to start the fourth quarter, but Detroit wasn’t going to roll over with Fournier keeping things close. Jimmy is able to score at will when he’s forced to, but I just wish sometimes he’d do it earlier. Still, I won’t complain about Butler getting his signature buckets and he did so tonight when they were needed. Miami’s only real downfall was its inability to guard the three tonight leaving international assassins Fontecchio, and Fournier open to score (they did).

Thomas Bryant was big down the stretch, blocking some key shots, as was Jaime hitting a much needed bucket after a short drought. Things would remain uncomfortably close down the stretch with the Pistons knocking on the door, but the high-iq play of Jimmy, Rozier (we’re excusing the in-bounds play) and Duncan would get Miami the win. Jimmy also managed to extend his three-point streak as the game came to a close. A solid win all-around.