Takeaways from Miami Heat’s Victory over the Toronto Raptors

Photo by: Heat.com

After losing two straight games at home, the Miami Heat needed to bounce back against the Toronto Raptors. Going 0-3 in their first three home games would not be right. Miami came out firing making their first five three-points, scoring 33 points in the first period. Miami even had a huge lead in the third period. However, Toronto clawed back in the game and trimmed Miami’s huge lead to three. It was a very sloppy finish for Miami. But in the end, Miami pulled it out with a win. Miami moves to 1-2 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Miami’s victory over Toronto.

Strong First Half

The Heat put up their best offensive half of the season, scoring a season-high 71 points in the first half. The offense included more ball movement and high pick and roll action. The ball was swinging from side to side and making the defense work. There were also off-ball screening and back cuts to the basket. These are the key ingredients for a good offensive possession. The Heat had four guys scoring in double figures. Miami held the Raptors to 30 percent shooting in the half. The defense was more solid, and rotations were quicker. The Heat players were taking their individual matchups more seriously.

Third Quarter battle

The first half went about as well as the Heat could have hoped. Miami’s offense was clicking on all cylinders. In the third period, they even pushed the lead to 24. But things went the opposite way in the third period. After the Caleb Martin ejection, momentum started to swing in the Raptors’ favor. The Heat went back to their old bad habits of isolation plays while holding a big lead. The Raptors also picked up their defensive intensity closing the gap in the driving lanes. They also included zone defenses which threw the Heat off. Defensively, the Heat rotations were slow, leaving the corner threes open. Miami was outscored 33-21 in the period.

Herro’s finishing

Every year, Tyler Herro has made adjustments to his game. Last year, we saw improvements in his playmaking. This year, we’re seeing it with his finishing at the basket. On one play in the first half, he went right at Precious Achuiwa for the and-one basket. He did it again midway through the fourth quarter on OG Anunoby. This is another example of his scoring near the rim improvement, which helps his overall game. Doing this against a lengthy and athletic Raptors team is very impressive. Foul trouble did limit him a bit in the fourth quarter though. Herro ended the night with 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Strus is loose

The Heat didn’t get much from its bench last game outside of Gabe Vincent. But on Saturday, Strus had a good night. He scored 20 points off the bench. The Heat sharpshooter scored off of cuts, slashing, and three-point shooting. He was very huge on the defensive end. Strus stripped the ball on the break, got two blocks, and even took a charge. Overall, this was a complete game for Strus. He showed that he’s not one-dimensional at all. With Herro starting and Victor Oladipo out, Strus is the one guy that’s going to be depended on to bring energy off the bench.

Next up: The Toronto Raptors on Monday. The game tips off at 7:30 pm eastern.