Miami Heat extend win streak to four games with win over 76ers
The Miami Heat continued their winning streak with a victory over the sorry Philadelphia 76ers.
102. 93. 112. 110. Final
Probably a little closer than it should have been, but nonetheless, the Miami Heat proved to be the superior foe with a 112-102 victory over the eight-win Philadelphia 76ers.
Since the All-Star break, the Heat’s offense has looked significantly improved. In that time, the Heat have failed to score 100 points in only two games.
It would be absurd to say the team is better without their superstar power forward, but since his departure, both Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside have looked like two completely different players. Dragic is one of the best finishers in the league, and having two bigs on the court might have been the causing factor to his early season woes.
Whiteside has been coming off the bench recently, and it’s proven to be a genius move by Eric Spoelstra. Since the All-Star break, Whiteside has a +4.9 net rating. Before the break, the 7-footer was basically a scratch with a 0.9 net rating.
Perhaps most importantly, Dwyane Wade appears to have turned back the clock. The 34-year-old wing has averaged 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists over the last five games.
Three Stars
Dwyane Wade: The veteran guard led the team in scoring with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assist and three steals. He also did a good job getting to the charity stripe, connecting on 7-of-9 free throws.
Hassan Whiteside: The double-double machine did not disappoint, racking up 19 points along with 19 rebounds. He also pulled his weight defensively with two blocks. The only surprising thing about Friday night was Whiteside’s multi-assist performance; something he’s only done three times this season.
Goran Dragic: He started off slowly, but Dragic finished strong with 15 points and 11 assists. The $80 million point guard is finally starting to look like a max-contract player, which is a necessity if this Heat team wants any chance of contending with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Highlights
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 5, 2016
Up Next:
The Heat will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. The Heat will get their second chance to beat up on the sorry 76ers, but this time it’ll take place in South Beach.