First Half:
The Heat got off to a good start with Bam, Highsmith, Jimmy, and Duncan all getting on the board early and showing excellent playmaking. Miami showed good patience, waiting for the right opportunities to strike on both ends of the floor and when they got stuck…well things seemed to go their way (see Duncan’s amazing shot).
The Bulls didn’t hang around and wait though with Chicago pulling back with a quick run of its own. But Duncan Robinson with the hot hand kept up his offensive assault keeping Chicago on its heels. With Kyle Lowry pushing the pace and Bam getting to the free-throw line with ease Miami looked in control for most of the first quarter even with Chicago nipping at its heels. Jimmy commanded a double team early which was interesting, but it still didn’t prevent him from scoring, or at the very least earning his points at the line. Jimmy also had one great high basketball IQ moment where Lowry lobbed to him in transition and he turned it into a shot attempt, creating a clear-path foul firmly keeping the momentum in the hands of the Heat. Jimmy was absolutely unstoppable to end the first quarter creating a 6-0 run and scoring 10 points in the quarter.
In the second quarter, Miami got caught in a scoring drought as Chicago clawed back within two. The Heat regained its bearings however with a couple of quick Bam and Martin dunks. With Chicago on a 19-9 run Miami leaned on JJJ for offense which ignited a small back-and-forth battle between him and Coby White as they exchanged buckets. Despite White keeping it close Miami’s reserves stepped up with JRich and Kevin Love making some well-timed looks. KLove looked spry, as he tracked down rebounds relentlessly and finally found his touch behind the arc. All of this allowed the Heat to rebuild its lead and expand it to 14 headed into the second half.
Second Half:
The Bulls came out charging in the second half to cut the lead to five, but Bam and Kyle managed to stop the bleeding. Still, Coby White continued to be a menace hitting three after three and preventing Miami from finding its groove. That didn’t last for long though with Highsmith finding a rhythm from three and Bam continuing to feast on the Bulls’ defense. With Jaquez hitting big shots and Miami’s scrappy defense resulting in numerous Bulls’ turnovers the Heat managed to once again take a double-digit lead. Despite a flurry of missed buckets to end the third Miami managed to take a 12-point lead into the fourth.
Duncan opened up the fourth with another three, but on the other end, DeMar DeRozan came alive as he usually does in fourth quarters. This forced the Heat to get more aggressive, which they did as made clear by Bam’s runway-clearing slam. With Jimmy on the bench, Bam was great at commanding the offense as was Duncan who unleashed an absolute flamethrower from beyond the arc. Unlike most nights the Heat didn’t take its foot off the gas, but the Bulls didn’t let up either making things difficult as Miami tried to close things out. Things slowed down around the three-minute mark allowing the Heat to get into a Bam and Jaime-led cruise control as the Bulls mentally conceded the game to the Heat, and then shortly after actually did. A great bounce-back win for the boys from South Florida.
Miami Heat mentioned as potential suitor for highly-coveted Detroit forwardBojan Bogdanovic. Hmmm? Maybe after December 15th?
https://allucanheat.com/posts/miami-heat-mentioned-as-potential-suitor-for-bojan-bogdanovic?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955
Cavs rested Donovan on the first night of back to back games. Today, the Cavs play the Heat. Who does not think this is a measure of respect from Cavs for the Heat. If Cavs show this much respect for the Heat, that should be reassuring to those “alarmists” in the Heat fan club.
Maybe I m a bit greedy, but a win against good opponent is the only thing we are missing this year. We were short against Boston and Bucks.
So, Cleveland, NY, Nets, Pacers are all good teams, but still second tier teams. I wouldn’t mind to go 2:2 against them, but I would like a convincing win against Bucks for confirmation, that Heat can beat anybody.
That is how you respond to a loss.
Well done.
Let’s Go Heat!
Cavs just beat 76ers in overtime, in Philly. So they must fly home tonight for tomorrow’s game. Strus played 44 minutes, Garland played 43, Mobley 38, Allen 35, Wade 31. Mitchell didn’t play. Hopefully, Heat run their asses off tomorrow.
GO HEAT!!!
Had to read that again. I thought those were points haha! Cavs a though match for the Heat but not elite. Plus we get to face Max! Jimmy will be happy.
Max had 20 points. Still has lower ppg than Duncan in far more mpg.
It’ll be a very good test. They’re young, play very fast and aggressive, are athletic, and have some length. Heat must bring their A game. I think they will. Should be fun (I hope).
Glad you pointed it out. Max and Embiid burnt 40+ minutes in a loss. Giannis(Bucks) and Tatum(Celtics) have each played 40+ minutes in games this season. I hope it catches up with them. The most Butler and Bam have played are 38 minutes and only in one game.
Several interesting games tonight involving top 6 Eastern Conference teams.
Playing back to back, today and tomorrow, the Cavs are saving Donovan today to play against the Heat tomorrow.
Knicks suing the Raptors for allegedly stealing confidential files of bb reports, plans, etc. What would Tor possibly want with those when the Knicks haven’t won a thing for so long?
Jaime Highlights!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfZ7fFqiDOk
If you must trade players to get the missing pieces the team needs, which players are the most expendable? In my opinion, they are, effective December 15, 2023:
#1: Caleb Martin $6,802,950
#2: Thomas Bryant $2,528,533
#3: ORobinson $1,801,769
#4: Dru Smith $1,801,769
#5: Josh Richardson $2,891,467
#6: Haywood Highsmith $1,902,137
#7: Kyle Lowry $29,682,540 (If the right opportunity(ies) come along).
The Heat also has several first round draft picks (2024-2030) and 2 second round picks in 2026 they could consider using in any trades.
It will be interesting to see what Riley does, if anything, to upgrade the PG and PF positions, from December 15, 2023 – February 8, 2024 (NBA trade deadline).
GO HEAT!!!
Although it’s tough to suggest hard working players may be expendable, it’s a fair list. Of course, Lowry moves to #1 if the right deal comes along. And yes, since they didn’t agree to that egregious Lillard deal, they smartly retained decent draft capital.
The players don’t need this distraction, please.Let them ball.
Evolve or die. Pat wants to win now, not in 5 years.
Great bounce back win, that was the best we shot from 3,so far this season. Bam was awesome, and played better in the 4 quarter. Duncan started the game on fire and ended on fire. JJJ is not a normal rookie, he wasn’t a lottery pick, but it feels like hit the lottery with him as the pick. He played better then Jimmy, his bbiq is ridiculous for a rookie, and his 3pt shot is getting better. Jrich was solid. Locksmith and lowry played better this game, then the last one. Also love came through with the trifecti 3s. Lastly all I gotta say about Jimmy is…. SKYHOOK.
I liked both Jaquez and Jovic and didn’t want to see either traded, though I knew at least one had to go in a Lillard trade. I still think Jovic can help the team as he improves his defense. I also like all 3 of our 2-way players (Cain, Swider, and Hampton) and believe any or all can get regular contracts in the future. Finally, I also like the potential of Skyforce player Justin Champagnie.
I write this, so nobody (cough cough) thinks I just jumped on the bandwagon when any of these players do well in the future.
Jimmy likes Jovic. A lot. He watches his games. Maybe that’s something to look forward to. He even called out the skyforce coach for using Jovic at center lol
I know. It was funny.
I love all those players, I feel like jovic can become great player. He reminds me of Sandi aldama from grizzlies, but a more athletic version that can slash in transition. Cain is already good in my opinion,he just got to many players in front of him. Offensively he’s better then HH, but not as good as hh on the defensive side. Also Cain a better rebounder. I love Hampton tenacity, length, and potential. Also can’t forget he played a 100 plus games in the NBA. Champagnie is very athletic and a great rebounder for his size. I feel like he can be like a Caleb, plus he is a twin like him too lol.
Totally agree! It’s why I feel if the Heat make a trade, I hope it is 2 for 1, 3 for 2 , or even 3 for 1. That way, they can promote Cain, maybe integrate Jovic into the mix, and move Champagnie to a 2-way.
cough, cough ! You should patent that comment.
😆
did anybody here see this coming with jjj.u can see the kids got serious game.can do everything on the court well.u can say hes prob the third best player on this team,. him caleb hh jim n bam would be my closing unit.no points for the bad guys and the good guys have plenty of offense on the ct.
Not me. He is a good pick for number 18, has the right demeanor and attitude too. I like his body language when things don’t go right. He’s like, you got me this time but I’m still coming after you. He does all the little things right and is better defender than you would think. Not sure what his ceiling is but he belongs.
Watch little of college BB, so did not know much about him before now.Now that I have seen more of him, I call him the vetrookie (veteran in a rookie’s body). I will not put him over Lowry or Herro yet. Lowry is consistent and brings a calming influence to the floor, his court vision is excellent, his hustle in defense is so underrated. Herro’s defense has improved a lot, he has he expanded his offense and assists. JJJ is just laying his foundation for his body of works. I may change the order perhaps later in the season. I will see how he handles double teams after teams start paying attention to him.Yes, he may eventually end up as a member of the closing unit. Do I see him joining the starting 5 in future definitely, yes.
Didn’t see him fitting so well so quickly, but saw the potential and didn’t want to see him traded. He’s doing a great job in the closing unit – he has size, moves very quickly, and is aggressive and fearless. He’s definitely not the 3rd best player on the team, at least not yet.
the third best player in the team is Duncan.. without serious competition.
I still say, when healthy, it’s Herro.
the next 5 games will be a real acid test for this team (cavs, knicks, nets, bucks, pacers) . We will know if were contenders or pretenders
Exactly. We only know right now we are a little better than average. Things will be clearer about where we stand after those games.
That’s true. I just want to see the team at least be competitive and pull out a win or two. I believe you felt we could have gone something like 3-10 or something like that on this 13 game stretch that started on the road and ends with back to back Pacers. So, so far so good. I’d be happy if we split the next 6.
I thought we already handled the NETS, lost one and won one.You need a tie breaker?
Those two games were at home and we split them. The next one will be the fourth game of a long 5 game road trip in Brooklyn a day after Thanksgiving. Jus sayin.
I will not put any value to our visit meeting with cavs, knicks, pacers either way a win or a loss. The second meeting matters more, to see how both teams make adjustment after the first meeeting.
If we win 2 of the next 3 on the road our record will be 11-6. Not bad after starting the season playing 12 of 17 on the road (although most were against bad and mediocre teams).
I’m ok losing to the Cavs…then string up 10 Ws after 😜
Thats how should finish the game two days ago.
Great game from everybody but Butler.
watching these games back-to-back is a good reminder that wins and losses aren’t the main thing right now. Heat are top-4 team in the East, along with Boston, Philly, and the Bucks, so the record is great. But the style of play is what I’m really excited about.
I’ve been watching a lot of league pass, and the ball movement on the Heat is as good as anything I’ve seen. When the offense is flowing, it FLOWS. Great passing creates open shots for everyone, it’s really fun to watch.
Aside from that, the defense still looks great. Lots of active hands in the passing lanes. Free throw shooting is great, 3-point shooting looks good also. Wing defense is excellent.
When it comes to weaknesses, the interior size feels like it might be a problem. There doesn’t seem to be a reliable closing lineup. And they could use one more reliable two-way point guard.
Anyway, it feels like Philly and Boston are ‘regular season’ teams. The Bucks look like they’ll be a brutal playoff matchup. But more than any other Eastern Conference team, the Heat feel like they’re building something
It is interesting watching some of the big stars of Bucks (Giannis), Celtics (Tatum), Sixers (Embiid) burn 40 minutes plus in some games for their wins. The most Buttler and Bam have played is 38 minutes both ways and only in a game which was a loss.Tells me the over reliance of those teams on their stars. Can not wait to see how they handle a deep play off run.
yeah it seems ridiculous that these teams are playing so hard in November. I appreciate the way Spo and the Heat are slow-playing the season. As long as they’re a top-6 seed in the East, I like the idea of experimenting early in the season and worrying about big games in April
Great game! Shout out to the boys for bouncing back. Great defense and 3 point shooting. Special shoutouts to Bam, Duncan, Jaquez and Love.
Much credit to Duncan for working hard and evolving.
Duncan stats
MPG: 2023: 29.7 Career: 26.2
PPG: 2023: 15.1 Career: 11.2
FG%: 2023: 48.1% Career: 43.2%
3PT%: 2023: 43.3% Career: 40.0%
RPG: 2023: 2.7 Career: 2.7
APG: 2023: 2.7 Career: 1.5
GO HEAT!!!
Duncan’s is a feel good story for this year.
And Jaquez.
…and he has done that without the help of the much touted need for a pg. This team is OK imho!
Nice bounce back after a bad loss. This starting line-up seems to play off of each other very well. Maybe they can start another streak.
Pleased we got the win with starters all playing less than 30 minutes each. I am always thrilled when that happens. Cumulatively, that should pan out later with less mileage on their legs at the end of the regular season and fresh enough for a deep play off run.
Butler/Bam/Duncan > DeMar/Zach/Vuc
imagine that? Duncan lol. Ty take ur time to heal, Mr. Robinson got this 😁
Ok lets add one more…Jaquez > Caruso
This season so far “as the bench goes, so goes the Heat”. 3/4 bench players scored in double digits. Far difference from previous game when none had double digit score.Even the commentator noted that the Heat bench outperformed Bulls bench. I am pleased that Spo made the necessary adjustment for the most part of the game, he had 2 starters playing with the bench.
Go Heat, Go!
That ‘worst ever starting backcourt’ has now won 8 out of 9, lol!
We need a pg for life, lol!
Yes, we do…. some day in future.
—yes, 2025 when Lowry retires!
That would be closer to 2030.
…with arthritis, lol!
defensively dunc is terrible, lowry slow as a turtle.u cant dispute that.
Lowry may be our weak link now in that he underperforms the most for what is asked of him. But, he’s a pretty good weakest link as he still calms the whole team down, brings the ball up better than anyone else we have, and makes the occasional important bucket.
And Dunc can no longer be called terrible on defense. I just don’t see that anymore. Love is terrible on defense, but luckily he is a reserve.
I appreciate Love’s savviness.
Totally agree, as do many analysts. He may not be good defensively, but he’s not terrible. And Lowry has looked much quicker this season, helped by the weight he lost.
Music to my ears. Preach it, bro!
Duncan has improved both his overall offensive and defensive games. He definitely has his “Mojo” back. The Heat needs his 3 point shooting, big time. It would be foolish to trade him now. There are several other guards in the NBA who have worse defense than Duncan. Some (primadonnas) don’t even try to fake playing defense.
Lowry is a good #2 PG and a great mentor to the younger guards. The problem is, at the moment, the Heat haven’t traded for or found the right PG to replace him as starter or a reliable #2. One of those two could be Dru Smith or RJ Hampton, but the jury is still out on both. Meanwhile, Lowry’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Winner winner chicken dinner! 9-5! Lets start another winning run.