Five Stars: Heat 95, Timberwolves 94

The Five Stars series allows us to put a spotlight on the players who most impacted the game in a positive manner (for their respective team). Using the GameScore metric, We’re able to track our top performers throughout the entire season. See the bottom for the current “standings.”

First Star

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (12.7)

Nickeil spent 25:44 in relief, as only eight Minnesota players got playing time. He only took six shots from the field, making five of them, and draining two-of-three from outside. He did not have any opportunities from the foul line, as the Wolves only had 13 attempts (making 11). Walker had one offensive board, two off the defensive glass, one assist, one steal, and one block. He committed two fouls to go along with his 12 points in the game. No flashy numbers here (aside from an 83 percent FG rate), Walker earned his check in this game by being efficient and not making mistakes.

Second Star

Tyler Herro (12.6)

Herro scored a game-high 26 points in 33:53 as Miami’s starter at shooting guard, with six defensive rebounds and three assists. Tyler’s GameScore is notably low due to his eight turnovers and five personal fouls, both game high figures. Herro made nine-of-15 overall, including half of his eight three-point shot attempts. He also drained four-of-five from the stripe, with zero steals and zero blocked shots.

Third Star

Rudy Gobert (12.0)

As Minnesota’s starter at center, Gobert played 32:30 in total, scoring seven points on two-of-four shooting. He didn’t attempt a three-pointer and made all three of his attempts from the foul line. His presence in the Five Stars is due to the field day he had on the boards, with six offensive and 13 in total. Rudy had an assist, a steal, and two blocked shots, along with two turnovers and a foul.

Fourth Star

Nikola Jović (11.3)

Jović spent 23:04 on the floor for Miami off the bench, and ranked second on the team with 15 points. Nikola made six-of-11 overall and two-of-four from outside, sinking his only foul shot. He pulled down seven defensive boards with one assist, one steal, one turnover, and a plus-10 rating. Jović committed three fouls, but he was the difference maker at the very end.

Fifth Star

Julius Randle (10.4)

Minnesota starting power forward Randle played 35:43 in total, second on his team only to Anthony Edwards’ 37:16. Julius made six-of-16 but only one-of-six from the arc or deeper, sinking all four of his free throws for 17 points. Randle had six rebounds (two offensive) and six dimes, with one steal, four turnovers and four fouls.

Season Standings (4-5)