The Miami Heat pulled off a gutsy win against the Houston Rockets, coming back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter. This game had it all - clutch shots, a bench-clearing brawl, and some standout performances from unexpected players.
Main points:
• The Heat fought back from 12 down in the third, with their run coinciding with Nikola Jovic entering the game
• A wild ending saw Fred VanVleet ejected for arguing a call, followed by Amen Thompson throwing Tyler Herro to the ground
• The ensuing brawl led to ejections for Thompson, Jalen Green, Ime Udoka, Herro, and Terry Rozier
• Miami went on to win 104-100 in what could be considered one of their best victories this season
The game’s bizarre ending was the talk of the night. VanVleet got tossed after brushing the referee while arguing a five-second call. Then, out of nowhere, Thompson flipped Herro to the ground, sparking a full-on brawl. It was a scene straight out of WWE, with Rozier coming in hot with a spear tackle from the sideline.
What’s interesting is how the Heat players seemed to relish the moment. Herro and Jovic were seen laughing and dapping each other up as they walked away, while the Rockets remained heated. It’s a reminder that the “Heat culture” isn’t completely dead - there’s still that spark of toughness and attitude.
Speaking of Herro, he had himself a game. He dropped 27 points, including 11 in the third quarter and 6 in the fourth. But it wasn’t just his scoring - he dished out 9 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds. His playmaking has taken a significant leap this season, adding another dimension to his game.
Nikola Jovic was another standout, swinging the game with his energy off the bench. His willingness to take big shots, especially that clutch three-pointer to put the Heat up by four, showed his growing confidence. It’s a far cry from the hesitant player we saw earlier in the season.
This win is particularly impressive considering the Heat were without Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson. They pieced together a makeshift lineup and still managed to come out on top against a solid Rockets team.
In the end, this game showcased the Heat’s resilience and depth. They’ve now won three of their last four games and are 3-2 without Butler in the lineup. It’s the kind of win that could give them momentum as they push for a better playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
