Postgame grades: Miami Heat notch impressive victory in San Antonio
By Simon Smith
On the first night of a back-to-back, the Miami Heat led from start to finish in their win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Final: Miami Heat 108 San Antonio Spurs 100
Coming off the bench, Tyler Johnson led all scorers with 17 points as the Miami Heat cruised to 108-100 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson hit 4-of-4 from three-point range whilst also adding five assists and four rebounds in just 21 minutes. James Johnson also impressed off the bench, contributing 15 points in 18 minutes. The Heat scored 88 points through the first three quarters, before taking the foot off the pedal as there game petered out.
Four of the five Heat starters scored in double figures, with Dion Waiters enjoying his first start for the Heat with 15 points and four assists. Replacing Wayne Ellington in the starting lineup, Waiters continued his impressive preseason performances. Justise Winslow also impressed with 15 points and five rebounds. Waiters and Winslow each shot 2-3 from downtown, and were both very aggressive throughout the game.
The Heat shot 48.3 percent from the field and led by as many as 20 points in the last quarter, in what was a particularly dominant display. The Spurs played without all-star LaMarcus Aldridge and looked particularly bothered by the Heat’s impressive hounding defence. One such example was reserve Briante Weber, who notched four steals in his 13 minutes of court time.
B. Despite not being as dominant as past games, Whiteside nonetheless was a presence inside. In just 22 minutes, Whiteside had 12 points, nine rebounds and a block. He will certainly be hoping to fix his free-throws before tomorrows game, going just 2-of-5 this game.. C. Miami Heat. HASSAN WHITESIDE
A. Waiters certainly made the most of his promotion into the starting lineup. He posted 15 points, four assists and a steal in 27 minutes of action. Shooting 2-3 from downtown, Waiters again looked in control, attacking where necessary and played very much within the flow of the offence. If his long-range shooting holds up, he certainly offered the Heat another dimension on offence.. SG. Miami Heat. DION WAITERS
By his standards, Dragic had a below average performance, nothing just five points and six assists in 24 minutes of action. He struggled from the field, hitting 2-of-7 overall, including 0-of-3 from three. His pressure defence, though, was solid, and his decision making when passing in the half-court was of a high standard.. PG. Miami Heat. GORAN DRAGIC. C-
PF. Miami. DERRICK WILLIAMS. B-. Starting his second consecutive game, Williams again showed glimpses, posting 10 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes. His 1-of-6 shooting from three-point range was certainly not ideal, however his energy levels on both ends of the court were very positive for the team as a whole.
A. Not known for his shooting prowess, Winslow certainly looked aggressive any time he had the ball in his hands. Scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, an aggressive Winslow will benefit not just himself but all players he is sharing the floor with. Having another outside weapon will only stretch the floor more, and his 2-of-3 from downtown was very encouraging.. SF. Miami Heat. JUSTISE WINSLOW
A. Johnson was on fire early, scoring 15 of his 17 points by half-time. He connected on 4-of-4 from three, dished out five assists and had rebounds in his 21 minutes on the court. Having such supreme efficiency whilst playing with his usual aggressive approach was very noteworthy. Johnson certainly looks at home in his role off the bench.. . Miami Heat. TYLER JOHNSON
Despite playing just 18 minutes, Johnson had a great impact on the game. He shot 6-of-10 from the field for 15 points and had a three rebounds and three assists. Johnson certainly brings great versatility to the Heat, with his ability to not only bang down-low but also put the ball on the floor and create opportunities four himself and others.. . Miami Heat. JAMES JOHNSON. A
Miami Heat. WAYNE ELLINGTON. D. Despite impressing in his only start last game, Ellington reverted back to the bench in this game. Unfortunately, his shooting stroke deserted him. He finished with just 5 points on 2-of-12 shooting, including a disastrous 1-of-9 from three point range. As a shooter, Ellington will hopefully be encouraged to continue being aggressive, as he shown up until this game how proficient he is from the perimeter..
Miami has little time for rest, playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night in Louisville.