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.
Miami Heat’s Comeback Falls Short Against the Bucks
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat nearly pulled off an incredible comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite missing their chance to capitalize on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence. The Heat’s valiant effort was spearheaded by Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, who shone in the final moments, but ultimately, it was Damian Lillard’s early dominance that set the tone for Milwaukee’s narrow 106-103 victory.
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The Heat found themselves trailing by 22 points, a deficit that seemed insurmountable given Milwaukee’s strong start. Lillard was unstoppable in the first half, racking up 33 points and showcasing his scoring prowess. However, Miami’s resilience was on full display as they clawed back into the game, tying it in the fourth quarter. Tyler Herro’s missed three-pointer in the final seconds and Rozier’s buzzer-beater attempt that fell short sealed their fate.
Analyzing the Final Moments
The decision-making in the last five seconds sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Herro’s three-point attempt, though criticized by some, was defended by both the hosts and Coach Erik Spoelstra, who believed it was a shot worth taking. The choice to have Duncan Robinson inbound the ball was also scrutinized, with suggestions that his shooting ability might have been better utilized on the court.
The Heat’s Grit and Determination
Despite the loss, the Heat’s comeback highlighted their tenacity and depth. Even with Bam Adebayo in foul trouble, Miami’s bench stepped up, with Rozier playing a pivotal role. His performance off the bench, scoring 17 points, was a testament to his potential as a spark plug for the team.
Looking Ahead: Trade Talks and Team Dynamics
The episode also touched on the possibility of trades to bolster the Heat’s roster. While some fans are eager for changes, the hosts emphasized the challenges in finding the right deal. The need for a reliable power forward remains a priority, as Miami continues to experiment with different lineups.
Damian Lillard’s Impact and the NBA Cup Standings
Lillard’s performance, reminiscent of a “revenge game,” was a reminder of what could have been for Miami. His scoring spree was crucial in building Milwaukee’s lead, though his impact waned in the second half. As for the NBA Cup, Miami remains in contention, thanks in part to their positive point differential, keeping their hopes alive for a wild card spot.
Conclusion: A Season of Clutch Moments
The Heat’s knack for making games interesting, even when trailing significantly, is both a source of frustration and admiration for fans. As the season progresses, Miami’s ability to compete in clutch situations
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) shoots the basketball over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here’s the thing, Scary Terry has hops. At 30-years-old and with a decade of play under his belt, Terry Rozier can cut like a knife, shake loose defenders, deflect, drive, and kick the ball out to the wing on a layup with the court vision still 20/20. He shoots, too. Tidy jumpers, deep and swooning corner threes, tricky little one-handed layups, fastbreak two-handed deliveries, Rozier runs through them like a personal rolodex.
Perhaps it’s a good reminder, for you as much as me, that age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. For one, despite what we’re led to believe by watching NBA basketball and listening to people talk about it, 30 isn’t old. Besides age, there’s a more important personal factor: whether an athlete keeps up. NBA basketball gets pushed in new directions every season as competitive teams break the mold and not yet competitive teams try to keep up.
Optimization is an unfortunate word in our modern and decidedly capitalist lexicon, but it’s what good athletes do. If there’s a skill to develop, they figure out what it is. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mid-range this season is a perfect and very successful example. The bigger thing these smaller improvements add up to are teams with a depth of different weapons to pull out against the seemingly unbeatable juggernauts at the top. Occasionally, front offices identify what their unique skillset or style of play can be — think the decidedly big Cleveland Cavaliers, or the micro, play-every-position, Thunder — and build toward it.
For an athlete like Rozier, who many were quick to call a Kyle Lowry 2.0 when he arrived in Miami, the improvisation he’s shown with the Heat was born out of necessity but also an aptitude for reading the room. The Heat are a workaholic organization with a next-man-up mentality they don’t just talk about as an inspirational soundbite, but is twined through the fibre of all that they do.
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 Debate arises over whether the Miami Heat should continue using Terry Rozier off the bench. Strategic considerations are explored as the team evaluates the best role for Rozier moving forward. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Pat Riley had no issue with LeBron James guaranteeing multiple titles in 2010. Riley’s perspective sheds light on the confidence and ambition that defined that era of the Miami Heat. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Heat will clash with the Hornets at the Spectrum Center at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis The point guard position is in good hands. Shaun Powell takes stock of the position and what the future looks like. (NBA)
Opinion The NBA can tinker with the All-Star Game format all it wants, but there’s only one fix. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Feel Good What happens with the money collected from fines? How the league turns bad moments into good deeds. (SB Nation)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Injury Concerns and Player Updates
Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee issues are another significant concern. With a history of multiple meniscus surgeries, Embiid’s situation remains precarious. His recent absences highlight the risks associated with drafting him early in fantasy leagues. The high failure rate of such surgeries suggests that Embiid’s availability might be limited, making him a risky trade target.
Donovan Clingan’s grade 2 MCL sprain is also noteworthy. The Portland Trail Blazers plan to reevaluate him in two weeks, but this type of injury typically requires a longer recovery period. With Clingan sidelined, players like Ayton and Rob Williams are expected to see increased playing time, making Williams a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Impact
Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury adds another layer of complexity to fantasy basketball strategies. Markkanen, who has been dealing with back and knee issues, was helped off the court after a knee knock. While the injury doesn’t appear to be a severe ACL or MCL tear, it could sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. This development opens up opportunities for players like John Collins to step up and fill the void, potentially increasing their fantasy value.
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How Jimmy Butler Is Fueling the Miami Heat’s Turnaround
The Miami Heat are 4-2 in their last six games and Jimmy Butler is playing his best basketball in a long time. Is this turnaround real, and what can we expect from Butler going forward? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down what they’re seeing from the Heat and what Butler said that could signal a big change in his approach.
Jimmy Butler’s Impact on Miami Heat’s Overtime Win
Can the Miami Heat’s overtime triumph against the Dallas Mavericks signal a turning point in their season? With Jimmy Butler’s standout 33-point performance leading the charge, the Heat showcased their resilience in a thrilling NBA matchup. Hosts Wes Goldberg and David Ramil explore the strategic decisions that shaped this game, including Erik Spoelstra’s intriguing rotation choices and the impact of Miami’s five-out offensive strategy on players like Bam Adebayo. The discussion also touches on the absence of Luka Doncic and how it influenced the dynamics on the court.
How the Miami Heat Broke the 76ers, Joel Embiid Wanted Jimmy Butler, All-Star Game Changes
Did the Miami Heat end the process-era Philadelphia 76ers, and how much is Joel Embiid to blame? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil dive into the differences between the two organizations and whether Embiid preferred Jimmy Butler over Paul George before looking ahead to Heat-Mavericks on Sunday and changes to the All-Star game.
