David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Tyler Herro’s Big Night Wasted in Loss to Pistons
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena.|Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
In the latest episode of Locked on Heat, the hosts dive into a dramatic game where the Miami Heat faced a tough overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons. Here’s a breakdown of the key points discussed in the first segment of the episode:
- Tyler Herro’s Performance: Herro delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 40 points, which should prompt the Heat to reconsider their offensive strategies. His ability to consistently make crucial shots kept the team in the game. On a night when Herro hit big shot after shot down the stretch, he may have shown that he deserves to have the offense built around him this season.
- Game Mismanagement: A series of unfortunate events unfolded in the final moments. The Heat failed to substitute Ka’lel Ware for defensive purposes, leading to a miscommunication that allowed the Pistons to score easily.
- Eric Spoelstra’s Error: Coach Spoelstra called a timeout that the team didn’t have, resulting in a technical foul. This mistake gave the Pistons a chance to win the game with a free throw, and gave them possession of the ball as time expired.
- Coaching Frustrations: The hosts discuss the apparent frustration from Spoelstra, who admitted to making a mental error. This incident was uncharacteristic for the seasoned coach, raising questions about the team’s late-game execution.
- Offensive Strategy: The conversation shifts to how the Heat should build their offense around Herro, given his current form. The hosts suggest that Herro’s role should be more central, potentially increasing his shot attempts per game, and especially given Bam Adebayo’s current offensive struggles and the potential for Jimmy Butler to continue declining throughout the season.
- Defensive Concerns: The Heat’s defensive lapses, particularly in crucial moments, were highlighted as a significant issue that needs addressing.
- Terry Rozier’s Struggles: Among the many issues regarding the team’s performance was Rozier’s offensive issues. He continues to put pressure on the rim but ultimately does not finish attempts in the restricted area at a high rate that would warrant his length playing time. However, given that the poor roster construction does not really have a better alternative, the hosts discussed the possibility of tweaking the starting lineup to provide more of a balanced offensive attack, while allowing Rozier to play a role of the bench that he may be better suited for.
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Terry Rozier’s struggles were evident in the Heat’s recent defeat to the Pistons. Check out the key takeaways from the game. (SI)
Injury Erik Spoelstra’s mental error overshadowed a big night for Tyler Herro. This crucial mistake ended up costing the Heat dearly. (SI)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
Heat Beat Wolves, Nikola Jovic Game-Winner!
The Miami Heat beat the Timberwolves, 95-94, after Nikola Jovic hit the game-winning layup and free throw to end a 3-game losing streak and help salvage a brutal 6-game road trip. Are the lineup changes the start of something positive for Miami?
The Miami Heat’s defense is under scrutiny as they drop from 5th to 14th in defensive rating. With Bam Adebayo adjusting his offensive strategy to align with the team’s new focus on three-pointers and rim shots, the Heat’s dynamics are shifting. Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson are shining, and there are questions about the Heat’s starting lineup.
Are Changes Needed for the Miami Heat After Collapse in Phoenix?
The Miami Heat led by as many as 15 but collapsed in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Who is to blame most for the loss and a disastrous final possession? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil react to the game and discuss if a change to the starting lineup is in order.
