5 takeaways from the Miami Heat’s win over the Wizards
By Cory Sanning
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards 112-101 Monday night.
For a minute, it appeared as if the Miami Heat had let another one slip through its fingers.
Heading into the half with a 59-53 lead, Miami would go on to surrender a 23-7 run in the third quarter that would give Washington a five-point lead. Heading into the fourth, it was a one point game, and although its very early in the year, it was do-or-die time for the Heat, who slowly find their season slipping away after five consecutive losses.
Then Goran Dragic happened, and he would save his best for last. Scoring 13 of his season-high 34 points in the fourth quarter, the Dragon would leave no room for doubt as the Heat rallied to beat the Wizards, 112-101. Hassan Whiteside scored 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds and James Johnson added 14 off the bench as Miami begins its six-game home stand with a much-needed victory.
John Wall led the Wizards with 30 points and Bradley Beal added 29 as Washington fell to 0-2 against Miami on the season.
Coming into this contest already boasting an abysmal 7-17 record, the Heat knew the opportunity at hand, and their point guard was adamant about seizing it.
”We had a meeting and said this is our chance,” Dragic said. ”We go on a run, we put together some good games and win a couple in a row, this is a big opportunity for us to show we can play.”
Just how good was he? With Dragic on the floor, Miami outscored Washington by a whopping 26 points. With him on the bench, the Heat were outscored by 15. Coming from a guy who boldly stated John Wall was better, it was certainly pleasant to see the former All-NBA third team member remind us exactly why he earned that coveted title.
Everything brushed aside, here are five takeaways from Miami’s crucial win:
1. Goran Dragic continues his stellar play
Since his arrival in Miami in February 2014, Dragic has seen his production steadily decrease over the course of the past two seasons. Last year, he recorded his lowest scoring average since 2012-13 and was consistently taking a back seat to Dwyane Wade as be handled the primary ball handling responsibilities.
Through 19 games played this season, Dragic is averaging 18 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Culminating with a season-high 34 points last night, Dragic proved once again how big of a difference maker he can be when locked in.
2. Hassan Whiteside continues his success against the Wizards
Recording yet another double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds, Whiteside was his usual dominant self when it pertains to matching up with Washington. Bouncing back from a controversially abysmal performance against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, the young center toyed with Marcin Gortat all night, holding the veteran big man to just seven points and 10 rebounds on 3-of-5 shooting. Heading into a crucial three game stretch with the Pacers, Clippers, and Celtics looming, the Heat will be leaning on Whiteside to put forth this effort on a nightly basis, something he is beyond capable of doing.
3. James Johnson returns and provides an immediate spark
After missing the past four games rehabilitating a rotator cuff injury, Johnson returned and made an immediate impact, recording 14 points and five rebounds on 6-for-9 shooting.
With Justise Winslow still out nursing a wrist injury, Johnson’s versatility has become an important recourse for the Heat, who used Johnson at center during the fourth quarter is a small-ball lineup that was extremely effective in opening up the lead.
4. Josh McRoberts delivers in limited minutes
The subject of major scrutiny since signing with Miami after the departure of LeBron James in 2014, McRoberts and his role with the Heat have turned out to be more unpredictable than a Steven Spielberg flick. Already missing a total of nine games so far, it was a pleasant surprise to see the 10-year veteran make a positive contribution, recording eight points, eight rebounds and five assists in just 17 minutes of play.
While his track record doesn’t prove positive, one can only wonder how long McRoberts can keep this level of production up. If he wants to remain in Miami after this year, one game simply will not do. It’s time for ” McBob” to prove himself.
5. Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson continue to make an impact
Quite the duo coming off the bench, both Richardson and Johnson entered this season with something to prove. For Johnson, it was the shut up all the nay-sayers whom were critical of his $50 deal. As for Richardson, it appeared he was the next heir at shooting guard after the departure of Wade this summer. However, offseason shoulder surgery sidelined the sophomore guard from Tennessee for all of the preseason as well as the first four outings of the regular season. Averaging 10.9 and 13.0 points respectively, Richardson and Johnson combined to score 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting, knocking down 3-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc, collecting six combined assists in the process. With Wayne Ellington claiming the starting role tonight, one can only wonder who Miami’s starting shooting guard will be from game to game. Spoelstra is unpredictable in that regard.
Miami (8-17) will remain home for a Wednesday showdown with the Indiana Pacers at 7:00 PM ET.