Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson has a knack for getting hit in the face during games. He also has a knack for getting into the heads of opponents.
In the Heat’s most recent 130-117 win over the Sacramento Kings, both occurred.
On two separate occasions, Kings forward DeMar DeRozan fouled the second-year guard with an arm to the rib cage, which prompted Heat captain Bam Adebayo and two-way guard Myron Gardner to exchange words with DeRozan.
That wasn’t the end of it, though.
Late in the fourth quarter while attempting a layup in transition, DeRozan swung his arm and connected with Larsson in the face. And the second-year guard was, understandably, not happy, immediately getting in DeRozan’s face. The 17-year guard was assessed a Flagrant 1 for the play.
Larsson frustrated the six-time All-Star — and the Kings’ team entirely — throughout the night. After the game, he wanted to make it clear that he didn’t try to start anything.
“I didn’t say nothing. Didn’t start nothing,” he said. “All I said is what he said to me, back to him. But it was just basketball.”
The 24-year-old had one of his most well-rounded games of the season, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds and a career-high nine assists. He made seven of his nine field goal attempts across 26 minutes — making his 23rd start of the season.
Larsson has proven that he can fill just about any role required. He’s one of the Heat’s most malleable player. Whether he’s on the floor for five minutes or 25 minutes, he’ll positively impact the game not only with his bruising physical nature, but with his on-court acumen on both ends of the floor.
But he’s also shown to be an “enforcer,” in the most complimentary way possible. At least that’s how Miami’s Norman Powell sees it.
“We’re going to make a stand, we’re going to be gritty, we’re going to be tough,” Powell said. “We don’t mind if it’s going to get in the mud and guys going to get chippy. We’re not going to back down. And that’s the style of burn that we need to play going forward.”
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Come to Miami Mr. Derozan in exchange for Tyler lol.
Meanwhile re: Rozier as per espn… “He is free on $3 million bond and isn’t expected back in court until March.” That’s way beyond the trade deadline. Silver has to give that first rounder to Miami at least. We’ve been in hostage far too long.
Interestingly, one of the others in this case was convicted.
A gambler involved in the bet-rigging scheme (linked to Jontay Porter) was sentenced to 2 years in prison on January 21, 2026, according to ESPN
It is an outrage that Silver & co has screwed the Heat on this issue.
It seems they couldn’t really distinguish if Terry is guilty. Or still investigating a bigger fish. However which way the league owe the Heat franchise big time.
if charl or silver knew about this before the trade then yes pat got screwed.if char or silver wasnt aware tough sht.if char knew then they should get a hefty fine.and heat should get back draft choice and salary cap relief
They’ve already said they were fully aware of the investigation.
If Silver hasn’t ruled in Miami’s favor by the trade deadline, he will have compounded his previous failure to disclose relevant facts to Miami before approving the Rozier trade two years ago.
At the very minimum, Miami should be able to keep Rozier’s salary, whether or not he is convicted.* In addition, Miami should get their 2026 pick back.
*If Rozier is not convicted and he is due his 2025-2026 salary, the NBA and/or the Charlotte Hornets should be responsible for paying it to him, not Miami.
Time to “man up” Pat.
Oops, make that their 2027 pick. They still do have their 2026 pick.
Pelle is in total control of his emotions. He is so centered, so unflappable, so relentless. Can you tell he is maybe my favorite player after Andrew Wiggins, who I like because he is underappreciated.
Pelle is a physical player, not a dirty player. DeRozan is a good guy. He only had one technical before last night. I’m sure Larsson was more physical than DeRozan liked. That’s basketball.
I still think DeRozan would help the team a lot coming off the bench and during crunch time. He’s one of the best in the league when games get tense and other players (like Herro and Bam) wilt. DeMar and Pelle can kiss and make up once he gets to Miami.