The Miami Heat snapped their three-game losing streak with a much-needed win against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Despite missing Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, and Kevin Love, the Heat managed to pull off a victory that got them back over .500.
Here are the key takeaways from the game:
• Bam Adebayo stepped up big time, channeling his inner Jimmy Butler with a well-rounded performance of 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. He seemed to be in rhythm for the entire game, setting up his teammates early on before aggressively looking to score.
• Tyler Herro struggled with his shot but still made a positive impact with 9 assists and 12 rebounds, nearly notching a triple-double.
• Duncan Robinson had a hot shooting night, going 5-of-10 from three-point range.
• Nikola Jovic showed promise off the bench, displaying improved confidence in his 3-point shot and a better understanding of how to attack the basket strongly. While he may not be ready to regain his starting role from Haywood Highsmith, having his versatility and size off the bench is great advantage for Erik Spoelstra.
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. started in place of Jimmy Butler but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.
While beating the Nets isn’t exactly a statement win, it was a step in the right direction for a Heat team at a crossroads. The victory doesn’t change the fact that Miami still faces tough decisions about its future, particularly regarding Butler’s status with the team.
The most impressive performance of the night came from rookie Kel’el Ware. His size and athleticism bring a new dimension to the Heat’s offense, providing a lob threat that the team has been lacking. Ware’s ability to finish above the rim opens up opportunities for his teammates and adds a much-needed vertical element to Miami’s attack.
However, it’s important to note that Ware still has room for improvement, especially on the defensive end. He tends to chase blocks and can get out of position, but his physical tools often allow him to recover and make plays.
The game wasn’t without its downsides, as Dru Smith suffered what appeared to be a serious Achilles injury. Smith had already rebounded from a season-ending injury in 2023, and worked his way back into the rotation with his strong perimeter defense and timely shotmaking. This unfortunate setback could force the Heat to make some roster moves in the coming days, having to add a player to a two-way contract, as well as possibly signing a veteran player to the roster.
Looking ahead, the Heat have a string of games against Orlando, Atlanta, and Houston. While these matchups present opportunities to build momentum, they don’t necessarily answer the bigger questions facing the organization. The team’s ability to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference remains in doubt, and tough decisions may need to be made to chart a path back to championship contention.
In the end, this win against the Nets was a positive step, but it’s just one game in a long season. The Heat will need to continue improving and finding ways to maximize their roster if they hope to make noise in the playoffs.
