Takeaways from Miami Heat’s Victory over the Knicks

The Miami Heat took on the New York Knicks Wednesday night in a big game. The last time these two teams faced each other was a big time thriller. Wednesday night’s game also didn’t disappoint. Both teams went back and forth for the majority of the night. Miami had a good three-point shooting night, which has been rare all season. With the victory, Miami moves to 40-34 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s win over New York.

Jimmy’s Big Night

With the playoffs around the corner, Jimmy Butler has turned into playoff mode. He was very efficient throughout the night. Butler was engaged on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he made his presence known in the paint. Even though he didn’t get to line early on, he still attacked the paint and finished. He also hit on a couple of three-pointers. Additionally, Butler was talking trash with multiple Knicks players. Butler was very good, and it was needed as Miami pushes for the playoffs. He understands the situation the team is in and is taking it up to another level. Butler finished with 35 points, nine assists, and four steals.

Gabe Hot Early

Gabe Vincent was productive in his starting minutes on Wednesday. He converted on his open three-pointers on Wednesday night. He kept going right at Knicks guard Jalen Brunson all night. Vincent also was knocking down the midrange jumpers off the pick and roll. Vincent has had a few performances like this in his starting role. However, the issue is consistency. If Vincent is going to continue to start, he has to be more consistent in his role. He doesn’t have to score 19 every game, but he has to be able to knock down three-pointers and defend at a high level. He did that on Wednesday night. Vincent finished with 19 points.

Herro Hot in the Fourth Quarter

It was a quiet first half for Tyler Herro. The Knick defenders were all over him in the first half. Herro didn’t take as many shots in the first half. He had eight points in the first three quarters of the game. But then, he erupted in the fourth quarter. Very similar to his performance on Sunday. He scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, knocking down tough fadeaway jumpers. He hit a tough three-pointer over Julius Randle down the stretch as well. Herro finished with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field.

Lowry Effective in Bench role

Since his return, Kyle Lowry has been productive in his role off the bench. He’s been the lead facilitator for the second unit and helping run the offense. Most importantly, he’s shooting his shots and making them. It was an issue early in the season when he wasn’t taking those open shots. He’s also attacking against the bent defense at times. This is what you want to see from Lowry moving forward. Lowry is not the all-star guard he was in Toronto, but you want him to be productive in his minutes. Lowry finished the night with 14 points.

Next Up: The Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Game tips off at 8pm eastern.