Postgame Grades: Miami Heat come up short vs 76ers
By Simon Smith
The Miami Heat finish the preseason with a 4-4 record after losing to Philadelphia.
100. 110. 113. 93. Final
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Miami Heat wrapped up their preseason schedule with a home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-110. The Heat led the game most of the way, however couldn’t hold on down the stretch as the starters rested the entire fourth quarter. Goran Dragic had 17 points and Hassan Whiteside scored 15 with the Heat using 15 players for the night.
The rotation was thrown out of whack due to Wayne Ellington (thigh contusion) and Rodney McGruder (finger) suffering injuries, and hence playing just 10 and 14 minutes respectively. This meant 13 of the 15 players reached double figures for minutes played. Whilst the Heat shot at 50.7 percent from the field, the team missed 16 free-throws on their way to hitting at a 63.3 percent clip from the line. Also after attempting 41 three-pointers the night before in Charlotte, the Heat attempted 20 this game, hitting just five.
Dario Saric led the way for Philadelphia with 19 points and seven rebounds whilst Joel Embiid had 18 points and nine rebounds in just 18 minutes of court time.
Also of note was that despite playing 15 players, not one Heat player reached double figures for field goal attempts. The Heat though did manage to win the battle on the boards, 46-40.
A. Despite not playing the fourth quarter, Dragic’s influence was pronounced. For the night he contributed 17 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two blocks in just 25 minutes. Dragic was excellent in attacking the basket, setting up teammates and overall efficiency, where he shot 5-of-6 from the field.. PG. Miami Heat. GORAN DRAGIC
HASSAN WHITESIDE. B. Whiteside was solid without being spectacular, as he completed the preseason looking to take his game to the next level. Playing 23 minutes, Whiteside produced 15 points and eight rebounds in a terrific duel with Joel Embiid. The 5-of-10 return from the free-throw line was not ideal, but Whiteside looks primed to become an all-star level center.. C. Miami Heat
Miami Heat. WILLIE REED. B+. One of the surprise packets of the preseason, Reed again impressed in his 20 minutes of court time. He had 13 points and five rebounds and was a +6 whilst on the court. Reed looks to be a terrific option as the backup to Hassan Whiteside, and certainly suits the style of play Miami is looking to implement.. C
Babbitt returned to action after missing the past four games with a groin injury. Playing 21 minutes as a starter, Babbitt hit on 2-of-6 three-pointers for eight pointers as was clearly trying to get his legs under him following a short break. Babbitt and Derrick Williams appear to be on a collision course as the replacement starter for Chris Bosh.. PF. Miami Heat. LUKE BABBITT. C-
Williams reverted to a bench role and contributed eight points, 5 rebounds, a steal and a block in 24 minutes. Williams again showed glimpses, including a great lefty-handed driving layup and nailing a corner three. His defensive versatility has also been noteworthy, and still appears to be the most well-rounded of the candidates competing for the starting 4 spot.. F. Miami Heat. DERRICK WILLIAMS. C-
Johnson played his customary high-tempo style in 19 minutes off the bench. He had eight points, two rebounds and a block but missed all his four free-throw attempts. Johnson has looked completely at home since reverting to a bench role, where his ability to play at both positions opens up a number of options for the Heat.. G. Miami Heat. TYLER JOHNSON. C
The Heat kickoff their regular season on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.