Photo by Heat.com
It was a short one-game road trip for the Miami Heat. They faced their divisional rival the Orlando Magic, who have one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. The Magic proved tough for Miami early on with them getting easy baskets off the cut. They caught Miami sleeping multiple times on defense. Then, Miami picked up their defensive intensity and went up by double-digits. They kept it going from there and ended up winning the game. With the win, Miami moves to 16-12 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Miami’s win over Orlando.
Explosive Second Quarter
This was arguably the best second quarter for the Heat this season. The second quarter began with both teams trading baskets. Orlando was able to get baskets off of cuts. However, things started to change quickly halfway through the quarter. Miami went on a 17-0 run to lead by 18 points at halftime. They hit 12 consecutive shots in a row to finish the quarter. Didn’t miss a shot attempt in the final six minutes of the quarter. Miami picked up the defensive intensity and it opened up things on the offensive end. The ball was moving, and Miami was finding their open shooters.
Highsmith’s Two-Way Play
It was a bit of slow start for Haywood Highsmith. He had a bad turnover on the fastbreak and couldn’t knock down the open triples. With the defense focused on Miami’s shooters, they were willing to give up the open corner three-pointers for Highsmith. But then, Highsmith’s play got better and it ended up sparking a huge Heat second quarter run. Highsmith was getting multiple defensive stops, diving on the floor for loose ball, and knocking down the open triples. Highsmith had four triples in the second quarter.
Tyler’s Great All-Around Game
This was one of Tyler Herro‘s better all-around game of the season. He was scoring on all level of the court. He had different counters for the Magic defenders. Most importantly, nothing was forced from Herro on the offensive end. Everything was in the flow of the offense. The transition pull-up three-pointers were there. There was one play where he took the bump, spun around, and hit the turnaround jumper. Having the ability to score in different areas has been a huge improvement in Herro’s game. He also got his teammates involved and dished out multiple assists. He was very close to getting a triple double on Wednesday night. Herro finished the night with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Robinson’s Playmaking
It was clear the Magic were defending Duncan Robinson for the three-point shot all night. They played him tight the moment he stepped on the court. They seemed willing to give up the open corner shots and take their chances so long as Robinson wasn’t the one taking them. Despite this, Robinson still ended up beating them in other ways. Robinson continued to show his improvement off the dribble as he got into the paint. He either scored or assisted on his drives to the paint. Robinson ended the night with 12 points and six assists.
Next up: The Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Game tips off at 8pm eastern.
