The Heat (17-6 Overall, 12-2 Conference) sit at third in the conference after winning three out of four games for the week. According to ESPN.com, Miami started their week defeating the Toronto Raptors (16-7 Overall, 10-4 Conference) in overtime, 121-110. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with a crucial triple-double performance to seal the win over the Raptors. It was a high scoring affair that ended with Butler converting both free throws to send the game into OT. From there Miami was locked in on defense, holding Toronto to just two points in the period. Butler came alive and scored half of Miami’s 13 points to hand the Raptors their first loss at home for the season.
Miami would lose to the Boston Celtics (17-5 Overall, 11-2 Conference), in Boston, a few days later. They lost that matchup 93-112. Kemba Walker and Jaylen combined for 59 points en route to the win. Jayson Tatum scored 19 points and was active on the defensive end, grabbing five rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, it was a rough night for Miami. Butler scored 37 points for Miami, but it was nowhere near enough to erase the deficit. Many Heat players struggled shooting the ball. To add insult to injury, turned over the ball 19 times compared to Boston’s 11. Boston also scored 26 points from the free-throw line whereas Miami scored 11.
Miami would go back to their winning ways, knocking off the Washington Wizards (7-15 Overall, 3-6 Conference) at home, 112-103. According to NBA.com, Butler logged his second triple-double and Bam Adebayo scored his career-high in the game. Miami was down at halftime, 65-61. From there Heat battled back offensively and defensively to send the Wizards home. Butler iced the game with a three-pointer late in the fourth to extend the lead to eight. He led the Heat with 28 points while four other players also ended the night in double figures. Miami would end their week with a slim win over the Chicago Bulls (8-17 Overall, 5-11 Conference). In the second game of the series, despite a stronger effort from the Bulls, Tyler Herro stepped up and knocked down clutch threes to keep Miami perfect at home, 110-105.
As the season continues, I feel the Heat are continuing to improve with every win. Being able to at least secure a road win against Toronto was what this team needed. Although losing to Boston deflated that feeling, being able to knock off one of the top teams in the east is a good step moving forward. Although Butler had been on a tear for Miami, Herro and Adebayo has quietly been very productive as well. Despite this, I want to see Kendrick Nunn more. He’s been struggling for a few games now and has gone quiet. When he gets going Miami is almost unbeatable. I just hope he gets out of this slump soon. If Miami continues to win at home and on the road and move up in the conference, a serious discussion needs to be had about Eric Spoelstra being in contention for Coach of the Year.
Blazing Talk News 