Post-game grades: Miami Heat fall short against Timberwolves
By Simon Smith
Despite leading 62-47 at halftime, the Miami Heat fell short in this pre-season battle played in Kansas City, MI.
110. 109. 86. Final. 100
Having kicked off their pre-season with an impressive win over the Washington Wizards, the Miami Heat were hoping to replicate their success against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Early signs were that this could vey well be the case. The Heat led 62-47 at halftime, and soon after extended their lead to 68-49 with 10:43 remaining in the third quarter. However from this point, it was strictly a one-sided affair.
The Timberwolves scored 41 points in the third quarter and also restricted the Heat to just 15 points in the final quarter to cap off an impressive comeback.
The Heat shot a respectable 46.2 percent from the field, however were just a wobbly 62.1 percent from the free-throw line. And whilst Hassan Whiteside grabbed 12 rebounds in just 27 minutes of play, the Heat were out rebounded 51-42, including a 14-6 advantage in the offensive boards.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks whilst fellow young-gun Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points including 13-16 from the free-throw line.
B. Despite not playing in the final term, Dragic certainly made the most of this hit-out. In 27 minutes of action, Dragic contributed 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting and also had five assists. And whilst he is in charge of the offence this season, a usage rate this game of 26.7 was more than respectable.. PG. Miami Heat. GORAN DRAGIC
SG. Miami Heat. TYLER JOHNSON. D. Johnson made his second start of the pre-season in the absence of injured guard Josh Richardson. In 21 minutes of action, Johnson had just six points on 3-of-6 shooting. With a usage rate of 12.2, it indicates Johnson’s was pretty much playing strictly off the ball.
D. Winslow was unable to backup his promising pre-season shooting debut, going just 2-of-7 for seven points and four rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Whilst he he held Andrew Wiggins to 3-of-11 shooting, Wiggins nonetheless attempted 16 free-throws. Certainly not Winslow’s best game.. SF. Miami Heat. JUSTISE WINSLOW
D. Johnson was presented his first starting opportunity with the Heat, but he had a game he’d rather forget. In 21 minutes of action, Johnson managed just 4 points and 2 rebounds, which included just 1-of-5 shooting. Following a promising first-up hit out with the Heat, Johnson underwhelmed in this one. It is, however, just the second game of the preseason with a new team. We need to give Johnson some time to adjust.. PF. Miami Heat. JAMES JOHNSON
C. Miami Heat. HASSAN WHITESIDE. B+. Whiteside again shone in the preseason, this time matched up against young star Karl-Anthony Towns. Whiteside posted 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in 27 minutes of playing time. Like all the starters, he didn’t appear in the final term. Following up from his 20 point, 12 rebound and 3 block outing last game, Whiteside is setting a great tone for the team. A usage rate of 23.4 was also quite efficient.
B. The first man off the bench again, Waiters is making an early impression with his new team. In 27 minutes of action, Waiters contributed 14 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal. Averaging seven assists over the first two games, Waiters is showing an ability to only get to the rim but also setup his teammates for scoring opportunities. The main downside to his game were the seven turnovers he committed. Furthermore, having a usage rate of 32.2 would rank amongst the highest in the league, and hence not overly efficient.. . Miami Heat. DION WAITERS
B. Williams certainly made the most of the minutes he received in todays game. Playing a team-high 28 minutes, Williams registered 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. He shot 5-of-10 from the field including 2-of-5 from downtown. This performance is certainly encouraging for the Heat, who will be hoping for more of this from Williams in their search for a replacement for Chris Bosh.. . Miami Heat. DERRICK WILLIANS
The Miami Heat will have a two day break before hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday evening.