Photo By: Heat.com
After two disappointing losses, the Miami Heat needed a bounce back win on Thursday. They took on a Los Angeles Clippers team without Kawhi Leonard. Miami was also without it’s starting point guard Kyle Lowry. It was a close game for the majority of Thursday night. There was 25 lead changes and 11 ties. With the game close in the fourth period, Miami put the ball in the hands of Jimmy Butler. Butler scored the last eight points for Miami to seal the game. With the win, Miami moves to 12-14 for the season. Here are my four takeaways from Thursday’s win over the Clippers.
Bam Adebayo Dominates Inside
When Bam Adebayo is aggressive, it makes the Heat better. He’s been aggressive for the Heat for the past couple of weeks. Most importantly, he’s found his go-to move on the offensive end. Adebayo tends to go with the face-up pull up jumpers whenever he gets the ball. But on Thursday, the majority of Adebayo’s points came in the paint. Because of Adebayo’s aggressiveness, defenses are starting to double him more in the mid post. But yet, Adebayo still found ways to attack the paint. On one play in the third period, when he got doubled, Adebayo dribbled to the three-point line and reversed back to the basket for the layup. This was a major adjustment for Adebayo and will be key as the season progresses. Adebayo finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds.
Butler Facilitates Early, Closes Late
With Lowry out, Butler was the facilitator very early. He found Dru Smith and Tyler Herro for the floaters in the paint. After that, he went into attack mode the rest of the first period. Butler had 10 points in the first eight minutes of the game. The majority of those points coming in the paint. He also converted on two three-pointers with the defense giving him space. Most importantly, he closed the game down the stretch. Butler hunted for the mismatches in the clutch and used his size to score over his defender. Overall, it was a great all-around game for Butler. The Heat all-star ended the night with 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting and eight assists.
Martin Keeps the Heat Afloat
Despite Butler getting going early, Miami trailed by 10 in the second period. But then, Miami started its comeback led by one man. And that man was Caleb Martin, who had 10 points in the second quarter. With the Heat’s offense struggling, Martin provided much needed shot creation. Martin also got going from beyond the arc with four three-pointers. Of course, one didn’t count because he stepped out of bounds. With Martin hitting his three-pointers, it created much needed gravity for Adebayo and others to get going in the paint. For all the talk about the need for a starting power forward, Martin has been impressive for the Heat this season. Martin finished the night with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Oladipo Working His Way Back
Victor Oladipo appeared in his second game of the season. Yes, he was still showing rust. Oladipo did get into a groove in the fourth period, scoring off some nice midrange jumpers. It’s likely going to take some time for Oladipo to get into a rhythm. Especially after missing the first two months of the season. But you still can see where he can make an impact with the team’s second unit. He’s shown he can defend on the ball at a high level. And there’s confidence his offense can round into form as he continues to get reps. On Thursday, Oladipo finished the night with six points in 21 minutes of action.
Next Up: The San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Game tips off at 5:00pm eastern.
