After losing four straight games, the Miami Heat needed a bounce back win. They came off a terrible performance against a shorthanded team. On Friday, they had another opportunity to get back in the win column. Friday marked the first night of the new In-Season Tournament group play. It was a great start on both ends of the floor as Miami grabbed a double-digit lead in the first half. Miami even pushed the lead up to 22 points in the second half. The game got interesting late when the Washington Wizards made a huge run in the fourth quarter. But in the end, Miami finished the night with a win. Here are my takeaways from Miami’s win over the Wizards.
Jimmy Sets the Tone
The Heat entered the night with the second worst record in the league at 1-4. This was an important game for Miami to get. Jimmy Butler got the message and set the tone early. Butler got into the paint multiple times and drew fouls. This is where he usually makes his impact. Especially during the regular season. He had 11 points and five rebounds in the first quarter alone. Defensively, he continued to be everywhere on the floor and playing the passing lanes as well. This was Butler’s best game of the season. This is the Butler the Heat need night in and night out. Butler finished the night with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Tyler Herro’s Complete Performance
Tyler Herro continues to be exceptional so far this season. There has been a lot of criticism concerning the number of shot attempts per night. However, Herro stepped up and contributed in multiple ways on Friday. Herro did it all on the offensive end from passing to rebounding to scoring. He was one assist away from his first triple double of the season. Defensively, he had some great moments as well. He denied the ball and stayed in front of Jordan Poole multiple times on that end of the floor. It’s very early, but Herro has been the Heat’s best offensive player this season. And could make a case for a potential all-star berth if this continues. Herro finished the night with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.
Fourth Quarter Collapse
After six games, there’s been a noticeable trend with Miami. Miami’s fourth quarters this season have been awful outside of the game against Milwaukee. With a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, this was looking like a night without drama. But then the Wizards went on a 15-0 run to trim Miami’s lead to single digits. And they were doing this without their starters on the floor. They pressed Miami full court and forced Miami to take quick shots and turn the ball over. With the Wizards making a run, Miami had to put Butler and Bam Adebayo back in the game to finish. Miami needs to have better awareness in these positions and cannot lose focus in these moments. Washington outscored Miami 33-20 in the period.
New Lineup
For the fifth time this season, Miami went with a different starting lineup. On Friday, Miami started Haywood Highsmith over Jaime Jaquez. Kevin Love was back with the team but was a healthy scratch. Looking for a spark, Miami decided Highsmith was the best option. Highsmith is one the best versatile defenders on the roster and Miami was struggling to stop others with their starting lineup. He can guard the team’s best perimeter players and also help with crashing the boards. With an improved three-point shot, Highsmith also helps the Heat on the offensive end. He shot 2 of 3 from downtown on Friday. It was a solid night for Highsmith, who scored eight points for the night.
Next up: The Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Game tips off at 7:30pm eastern time.
