(Photo via Miami Heat/IG)
Now THAT was some exciting Miami Heat basketball.
After returning home from a disappointing road trip and three-game losing streak, the Heat close out the visiting Phoenix Suns with a much needed 127-121 win. Miami will improve to a 21-19 record, as Phoenix drops to 24-16.
The Heat were led by a resilient and dominant performance from captain Bam Adebayo, who put up a game-high 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, two steals and one block on an uber efficient 11 of 15 shooting overall. The All-Star big man also nailed 4 of his 6 attempts from 3-point range and dropped 13 straight points in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. It was a long overdue offensive explosion for Adebayo, as he drops over 20+ points for the first time since December 5.
And he got some help from his running mates as well, as each of Norman Powell and Tyler Herro put up strong outings themselves.
For the rest of the starters, Andrew Wiggins played well defensively but struggled shooting with just 8 points on 2 of 11 from the field. He was also 0 for 5 from deep. Davion Mitchell started off with an encouraging impact on both ends, but left the game in the second half with a shoulder contusion. He did not return to the game.
Off the bench, coach Erik Spoelstra went with mainly a three-man second unit of Jaime Jaquez Jr, Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson. All three were impactful in their roles, as Jaquez added 16 points, 8 assists and 4 boards in 31 minutes. Dru Smith and Nikola Jovic each received only some limited spot minutes.
The Heat had an early 16-point lead and dropped 71 points in the first half. They saw that lead diminish in what was a classic “turd quarter.” However, a strong effort in the final period was enough to hold off Phoenix’s comeback attempt. Outside of Adebayo’s late game heroics, Powell had also stepped up with several clutch buckets down the stretch.
Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen each scored 25 points on the night for the Suns, but it ultimately wasn’t enough. Brooks had a chance to knock down a game-tying 3-pointer with under 15 seconds left but put up an airball. He was also hit with a flagrant foul on that shot attempt for kicking his leg out in Wiggins’ landing space and pulling his shoulder down. That’s when the Heat knew they sealed the deal.
Miami will now look to keep this excitement going into their next matchup hoping to pick up back-to-back wins. They are set to host the rival Boston Celtics on Thursday.
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Giannis got booed in their homecourt losing 30+ to the Wolves. He booed back and after the game said he’s first playing for his teammates and his family. Time to pounce Pat. Do your magic. If there’s any left.
The difference between an average player and a good player is consistency. The difference between a good player and a great player is consistency at an elevated (all star) level. This year, Powell has performed consistently at an all star level. Jaquez has performed consistently as a second unit (6th man) hiplayer.
What Miami lacks is a second two-way starter who consistently performs at an elevated level and who is available for 85-90% or more, of the games. without giving up either Powell or Jaquez.
As far as the Suns game, the team played very well in the first half, terrible in the third quarter and half of the 4th and very well in the closing minutes. The third quarter collapse is becoming routine because the team takes its foot off the gas pedal and stops doing what was successful in the first half. That is a coaching issue.
If the starters can’t maintain their energy levels and intensity in the 3rd quarter, maybe Spo should start the second unit in the second half and bring the starters back in afterwards.
Herro played well in the first half but reverted to his iso pattern of the past in the second half. He does not seem to be as focused on assists as he has been in the past. He also has not fully assimilated into the new offense. Until/unless he does, he can be more effective coming off the bench with the 2nd unit. He would be free to exploit opponents’ less skilled second unit players and raise his trade value.
Jovic needs to learn to relax and play his game, under control, rather than trying to emulate Jaime’s game or anyone elses. If he does, he can become a very valuable member of the team. I still believe he would benefit by playing a few weeks in Sioux Falls.
I’m interested in seeing if Riley has anything up his sleeve to improve the team before the deadline. We should find out soon.
He does not seem to be as focused on assists as he has been in the past.Dont know what youve seen in the past.If he does, he can become a very valuable member of the team.What would make u say that.One good game out of 10
Herro’s assists are down. Jovic will hopefully find his game so the Heat doesn’t get stuck with his 4 year contract in exchange for 6 minutes and 2 turnovers a game.
y the f was he extended what has he done over 3 plus years.time to give keshad the athlete a look like nikos been given.not fair.
Powell was talking about guys trying to find their roles now that Herro is back after the prior game. Tonight they come out hot then collapse. I think this game might be a launchpad for some confidence. That went from absolute disaster to comeback win. Great game.
Very fine win. A surprise on the upside. And give some credit to Ty as his offense was a big part of it. Another player who woke up and contributed a lot was Bam. Norm and Jaimie did their thing too. Go Heat!
Nice win, but there is always a feeling, that something is not right with that starting lineup. As a sudden collapse is just behind the corner all the time.
I have more trust in bench players then starters.