Photo credit: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat played their second consecutive game against the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. The Bulls have been horrible to start the season, with rumors of an eventual team blowup. On Saturday, they got the best of Miami despite trailing 20-1 in the first period. As the first quarter started with Miami pulling ahead early, there was a feeling of deja-vu in the arena. Miami was able to get whatever they wanted. Of course, the Bulls still pushed back and was very competitive for the most part. Unlike last game, Miami took care of business in the fourth quarter and put the Bulls away for good. With the win, Miami moves to 9-5 for the season. Here are my takeaways from tonight’s victory over the Bulls.
Another Hot Start
Basketball is a funny game sometimes. Just like Saturday’s game, Miami started the game on a big run, going 12-2. However, this time they didn’t push it to 20-1. Chicago responded with an 8-0 run of their own. Both teams went back and forth in the first period. Duncan Robinson got going early. 11 of his points came in the first period, with three of those shots being three-pointers. Jimmy Butler also got going in that period as well. Miami pretty much got everything they wanted on the offensive end, including a surprising hook shot from Butler. Butler even yelled “Skyhook” after hitting the shot. Overall, Miami’s main objective was to get into their actions quickly and they did that.
Bam’s Foul Attempts
Adebayo’s offensive growth continues to impress. Once again, he was able to get whatever he wanted on the offensive end. The midrange jumpers were falling as usual. However, the most important development of Adebayo’s game has been his free throw attempts. Entering Monday, Adebayo is averaging a career-high 7.3 free throw attempts. With defenders respecting Adebayo’s jumpers, he’s been able to get the defender to fall for his pump-fakes. He also baits the defender to foul him whenever he’s going downhill. It’s very similar to a former Heat legend we all know. This development changes things for the Heat.
Rook Leading the Bench Attack
It was an uneven night for the Heat’s bench on Saturday. Jaime Jaquez was in foul trouble throughout the game. And it affected his rhythm throughout the game. That was very different in Monday’s game. Jaquez was more assertive on offense, particularly in the first half. He read the defense well and got to his spots. He also attacked the paint multiple times. With Jaquez having a good post-game, Miami often went to him down low when he had the mismatch. Jaquez either attacked the paint or patiently kicked it out to the open man. Most importantly, he shot very well in the corner three-pointers. If he’s able to hit that shot consistently, that opens up his game even more.
Overcoming the Fourth Quarter Blues
If the Heat wanted to win this game, they needed to take care of business in the fourth quarter. That’s where Miami lost the game on Saturday, when the Bulls outscored the Heat 34-21. Turnovers and high volume three-point shooting really hurt Miami in that period. Miami did better this time around. Offensively, they were more patient and not rushing shots as much. They did a better job of making sure Adebayo got his touches on that end. Defensively, they trapped the Bulls star players and quickly recovered out to their shooters. Miami led by as many as 20 points in the period.
Next up: The Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
