Just like that, a new era of Miami Heat basketball began, and the difference showed from tipoff, most notably on the scoreboard (it didn’t last). Giannis made his impact right away, scoring 14 first-quarter points and going downhill as often as possible. Having a star on the team makes such a difference, and the Wolves really didn’t have an answer for him in the first 12 minutes
If you’ve watched Miami Heat basketball in recent years, then you know the frustration that scoring droughts and lulls bring. This wasn’t evident early on as Klay Thompson delivered from three and the Heat reserves trickled in baskets off the bench.
Weirdly, Miami’s defense was porous to start with Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards both feasting efficiently. LaMelo Ball would get in on that action as well, hitting some of the worst-looking shots I’ve ever seen.
Miami’s rotation was interesting, with a lot of guys seeing action and delivering. From Jovic and Hardaway to Portis and Larsson, the reserves brought energy, played aggressive defense, and hit some good looks.
There were some flashes of how good Bam and Giannis’ two-man game might be, but the non-Giannis minutes and Miami’s clunky defensive rotation took the shine off of what was an exciting start.
The Heat and Wolves went back and forth for the majority of the first half, but Minnesota stole momentum late and would take a 10-point lead into halftime off strong play from Ball and Edwards.
The Wolves continued their offensive assault to start the second half, extending their lead to 17 quickly. The Heat would fight back, however, with Giannis, Bam, and Wiggins all scoring tough baskets to trim the lead.
The Wolves wouldn’t go away with Edwards feasting on the Heat from beyond the arc (and in general). The Heat’s defense didn’t look horrible; they were aggressive (sometimes to a fault), but it just didn’t have answers for the Wolves throughout the third. It didn’t help that the Heat really struggled from three-point range (below 30% on the night), which prevented them from making a quick run.
Bam hit a string of great shots to stop the bleeding, but with Anthony Edwards on fire and Miami playing sloppily, the Heat entered the fourth quarter trailing by eighteen.
Minnesota showed no signs of slowing down to start the fourth even with Giannis doing his best to will the Heat into a competitive scoring run. Miami’s effort level offensively after falling behind was frankly pathetic and epitomized by a Jovic forced airball three-point attempt.
Giannis would exit at the 7:07 mark and never return, signalling the end of the night for the Heat as the Wolves continued to run up the score, while the Heat had no answers on the other end. Miami would end this game with the bench on the floor and not many fans in the seats.
The Heat showed tonight in flashes that they have the potential to be very good. But it’s going to have to be for more than one half, and by more than one player.
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