Wizards upset Heat inside Kaseya Center 110-108

The Washington Wizards, who entered the game tied with the Detroit Pistons for the worst record in the NBA, upset the Miami Heat inside Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla., Sunday evening with a 110-108 victory.

Miami’s defense was subpar for most of the game outside of the middle of the first half. Washington shot 48.1 percent from the floor and 16-of-39 from deep (41.0 percent), including 52.6 percent and 55.0 percent (11-20) in the second half, respectively.

It was led by Kyle Kuzma, who tallied 32 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks on 9-of-23 shooting and 12-of-16 from the free-throw line. Corey Kispert could not miss down the stretch and had 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting and 5-of-10 from 3-point range.

Deni Avdija finished with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, converting on seven of his 14 attempts. Tyus Jones posted 12 points with a remarkable 16 assists, falling one shy of tying his season high, which was recorded on Feb. 27 against the Golden State Warriors.

After leading 97-94, Washington converted on five of its ensuing six shot attempts–including four 3-pointers–plus two free throws to put it up 10 with 2:45 left. A pair of free throws from Duncan Robinson and Jimmy Butler plus a Terry Rozier driving layup cut the deficit to four with 1:16 left. Miami had a few more bites at the apple.

Caleb Martin’s putback layup attempt–his third offensive rebound in a matter of seconds–made it a two-point game, but quick trigger 3-pointers for Duncan Robinson and Jimmy Butler rimmed out and were not enough to snap the Heat’s skid.

Miami’s now lost three straight for the first time since the end of January, when it lost seven straight.

Rozier was perhaps Miami’s brightest spot Sunday. Butler led the team with 23 points on 9-of-20 shooting with four assists; Bam Adebayo, coming off two of his worst games this season, tallied a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double on 7-of-14 shooting.

Rozier continued attacking the rim and creating offense amicably, tallying 16 points on 8-of-16 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Duncan Robinson had 16 points, but did not get going until late, converting on four of his 13 3-point attempts.

Caleb Martin had 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block on 4-of-9 shooting and a perfect 3-of-3 from deep, continuing to look comfortable from distance with a minimized hitch. The Heat, as a team, shot 45.3 percent and 30.3 percent.

In reality, the Heat’s “aura” reflected a group that did not take this game as seriously as they should have. The Washington Wizards may not be a good NBA team, but they still are one. If you slip up on any given night, you’re susceptible to being beaten–even if it’s on your home floor during a two-game skid.

The Heat’s best players also didn’t completely show up when it mattered–a relative theme to this current three-game skid. It happens, but it’s happened too much to the Heat this season–which can’t continue a month from now.

Miami will have now two day’s rest before it welcomes the defending champion Denver Nuggets into Kaseya Center to close this two-game home stretch.

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