No, what you saw in the first half wasn’t a dream. I can’t pinch you.
The Miami Heat broke their record for points in a single half on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 86, four more than their previous total that has been set three times.
Bam Adebayo led the charge with 20 points, scoring 18 first-quarter points with four 3-pointers; Simone Fontecchio had 14 points on four made threes of his own in his lone eight-minute stint; Norman Powell added 12 points — including the pair of free throws to officially set the record — while Andrew Wiggins and Kel’el Ware had 10 points apiece.
Only one Grizzlies player — Ja Morant (12 points) — had double-figure scoring.
Miami could not miss, shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and 10-of-16 from 3-point range.
The last time the Heat had 82 points in a single half was against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 25. The Heat have scored 80-plus points four times since the start of the 2018-19 season.
If there’s anything to take away from the first six quarters, it’s that Miami is committed to pushing the pace. The spacing has looked excellent in transition, as has the ball movement and dribble penetration — both of which have led to wide open takes … and makes!
More of all this, please! Even though an unintended consequence — at moments — is poor defense, this is the most effective way for the Heat to win games.
Their execution is on another planet. The shooting won’t be sustainable, but the process is!
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Unbelievable game. I am very impressed by how quickly this team has taken to the faster pace. It was held back for years because “quitter” didn’t like to run. He preferred a slow down/half court game. Thank God he’s gone!
8 players in double figures, 4 starters and 4 non-starters. It was truly a team effort with several heroes. That second unit looks like it will be very effective, particularly Jovic, Jaquez, Fontecchio and Smith. If it keeps producing like it did tonight, Miami may surprise a lot of people.
As of tonight, there are only 5 undefeated NBA teams remaining (OKC in the West and Bucks, Knicks, Hornets and Bulls in the East). Interestingly, Celtics, Rockets, Mavs and Nuggets are winless.
I think we may be in for a very interesting (and competitive) season. Now if Riley can just pull off a trade for a solid big to add to the second unit rotation, things could be very promising. If he can also pull off a trade for a ss, that would be even better.
Awesome game, looks like this fast paced, and space offense is hear to stay, and I’m digging it. 8 players in double figures, with prolific scoring. This team definitely is better and offense has evolved into something spectacular.
that pace and space has been their plan a couple seasons ago. i think its JJJ who said it after this game…and its only happening now coz they have the right people? but as RC said its one game. next opponent is NY. can they do the same? we hope
Yea they been trying to do that pace and space for awhile, but like you said they have the right ppl, also not having Jimmy Is a factor also. Jimmy slowed down the pace. Yes it’s one game, so I’ll Def be looking forward to the Knicks Game, since I’ll be there .
The bench went nuts. Jaime inside and Nico and Simone outside. That’s what put the game away early. Ware made the starters competitive and Dru stabilized the rotation players. This team is better than last years, pre or post Jimmy.
We could pick up another big so Nico or Jaimie don’t have to play that position and spell Bam or Ware. Then everyone is used at their most productive position and in their most productive way.
I also think Ty should be traded for a two way wing, as it gives us salary relief and we have redundancy at the guard position.
The Do those two moves and watch us get at least to round two, maybe more. We are close and this team is worth it.
Are you suggesting that being optimistic doesn’t always mean that you’re delusional? 😀 Anyway, the reality is it’s only one game. But as I and some others thought, this team is fun to watch.
I am. But, you’re right in qualifying this as only one game. The Knicks could bring us right back to earth. And, in fairness, I always said we were going to be mediocre, not terrible. Maybe I underestimated JJJ getting his groove back and Nico’s three ball, as they do look good off the bench. And none of us knew Simone was going to replace Dunc and provide defense too. And I did foresee Dru being a stabilizing influence but who knew he’d be healthy. And I did always tout Andrew and Norm as solid starters, and that Davion would work out better than many thought he would. But, the biggest reason for optimism, in my opinion, is the impact of Ware on both ends, but particularly defense. And I did say he eventually would help Bam and allow Bam to be even more effective. But,,who knew it would happen so soon. Kel’el makes such a difference and it makes you realize how much another mobile seven footer with rim deterrence would help us.
And, finally, I am suggesting that when appropriate, I can even be complimentary.
very encouraging Heat executed that pace Spo’s been preaching
Quite a game. A bucket full of positives