Takeaways from Miami Heat’s Victory Over the Lakers

Photo Via Heat.com

A familiar face was back in Miami on Wednesday night. Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Miami Heat. It was back and forth contest between both teams in the first half. Miami pushed their lead to as many as 22 points in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the game started to get close again when the Lakers cut the Heat’s lead to nine points. However, a key three-pointer from Tyler Herro pushed the Heat ahead and they never looked back. With the win, Miami moves to 18-17 for the season. Here are my takeaways from the Heat’s win against the Lakers.

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo Both Sharp in their Returns

Miami’s best two players Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler were back in action on Wednesday. Butler was very efficient in his first game back. Butler tormented the Lakers with his midrange game. He was very under control throughout the whole game. Whenever the Lakers made a run, Butler would knock down timely shots to keep the Heat ahead. Butler finished the night with 27 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting from the field. Adebayo was also strong in his return. He dominated his matchup with Lakers center Thomas Bryant. The Heat center had 11 points and eight rebounds in the first half. He then scored 10 points in the third quarter and finished the night with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Miami Heat’s Strong Third Quarter

We all know about the Heat’s history with third quarters, often referred to as ” Turd Quarters” by Heat fans. Miami has had their struggles with the third period this season as well. Miami entered this week losing eight of their last nine third quarters. On Monday, they outscored the Minnesota Timberwolves by four in the third period and turned around and outscored the Lakers by eight. Miami entered the fourth quarter up 95-78. It certainly helps playing against a struggling team like the Lakers. Miami took advantage of that and held off a Lakers comeback in the fourth quarter.

Another Oladipo Defensive Masterclass

Yes, Victor Oladipo is still struggling offensively. He still has trouble finishing at the rim. He has yet to find an offensive rhythm. However, he’s really been putting his fingerprints on the defensive end. Oladipo has been very huge at the point of attack. He has the lateral quickness to stay in front of his defender and beating them to their spot. He has great defensive instincts on the defensive end. Oladipo has a good knack of swiping the ball away from a player and forcing a turnover. You can try dribbling in front of him if you want to. But he’s going to make it tough for you. He finished the night with four points, three steals, and two blocks.

Caleb’s Three-Point Shooting

If it wasn’t for Miami’s struggling start, we would be talking more about Caleb Martin‘s development. He’s been outstanding for Miami this season. Martin was solid against the Lakers on Wednesday, especially from downtown. Martin shot 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. He’s looking more comfortable shooting the ball than he has in the past. Martin can shoot off the catch and off the jab step. The funny thing is he probably would’ve had five triples hadn’t he stepped on the three-point line two times. Martin finished the night with 13 points.