Takeaways from Miami Heat’s Victory over the Pacers

The Miami Heat took on the Indiana Pacers the night before the NBA Trade deadline. With so much going on in the league, this often can be a distraction for teams. It didn’t appear that way early on for Miami. Miami started the game off strong on both ends, pushing their lead up to 16 points. Of course, with most Heat games, it’s not surprising this game ended up being close. But in the end, Bam Adebayo closed the game with two key free throws in the last few seconds. With the win, Miami moves to 30-25 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s victory over Indiana.

Hot Early Start

The Heat were without Kyle Lowry again on Wednesday. Still, Miami came out firing in the first minutes of the game. The offense was moving well, with players cutting and shooting the ball well. It was everything the Heat drew up. Almost perfect at times. Leading the way early was Gabe Vincent, who filled in for Lowry. Vincent had 11 points in the first quarter. He knocked down the open jumpers and got some pick and roll action going. At the end of the first period, Miami had 39 points. It was a great opening for the Heat’s offense. Of course, you knew it wouldn’t last long.

Bam’s Offensive Night

Since he first was drafted, Adebayo always showed he could be a great defender in this league. And he’s still doing it this season as well. However, his offensive leap has been the most positive part of the Heat’s season. Adebayo displayed those offensive skills throughout the night. He dribbled up the court as time expired, knocking down the fade-away jumper at the buzzer. He continued his hot midrange shooting the rest of the night. Adebayo kept attempting and making the midrange jumpers with Myles Turner guarding him. He also attacked the free throw line with 14 attempts for the night. His offensive game is more fluid now and it’s very impressive to watch. Adebayo finished the night with 38 points and nine rebounds.

Butler’s Bully Ball in the Third

Jimmy Butler also had some strong moments in this game, particularly in the third quarter. With Miami’s offense struggling, Butler took over the third period. Butler willed his way to the basket a lot in the quarter. He kept getting contact and drawing fouls. He also attacked the glass off of misses and scored. Butler was playing with high intensity. You can tell he was determined to get to the basket by any means necessary. Playoff Jimmy was in the arena and the Heat needed him. Butler had 14 points in the third quarter. He finished the night with 25 points and seven assists.

Now We Await The Deadline

This week, The NBA Trade Deadline has dominated talk in the basketball world. Even more so than the actual basketball games. This was the case in the Heat’s game on Wednesday night. While Butler and Adebayo were playing well, all the focus remained on the trade deadline. With the way both players played, it’s hard not to wish there was more help surrounding the players. It’s time to get them the help they need. One of the worst ranked offenses in the league, there’s clearly a need for shooting. We’ll see what happens. The clock is ticking.