Tyler Johnson rose to the occasion in overtime as the Miami Heat managed to keep their season alive.
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With the season on the line, reserve guard Tyler Johnson came up big-time for the Miami Heat. Johnson scored eight of his team-high 24 points in overtime as the Heat overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-121 who were minus all-stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Heat were able to overcome a slow start where they trailed by as many as 15 points early in the second term, eventually forcing the game into overtime where they were able to prevail.
In addition to his 24 points, Johnson also posted five rebounds and four assists and was three-of-six from behind three. But his most important contributions were left until the overtime period, when Johnson knocked down four clutch free-throws in the final 30 seconds of the game.\
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Johnson played with his renowned tenacity throughout the game. He was constantly attacking the defense, which more often than resulted in him either scoring from the field, getting to the line or setting up a teammate.
For the game, Johnson was a team-high plus-15 during his 34 minutes of the floor. Furthermore, Johnson had a team high offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) of 125.8, leading to a net rating of 19.1.
With the continued absence of shooting guard Dion Waiters, and starting point guard Goran Dragic shooting just 5-of-15 overall for 15 points, Johnson’s contributions off the bench were invaluable.
But to have a true appreciation for Johnson’s game, comparing the Heat’s performance when he was on and off the floor is a good measure. As mentioned above, the Heat’s net rating was a 19.1 with Johnson on the floor.
When Johnson off the floor, the Heat’s net rating sunk to minus-28.3, with their offensive rating nose-diving to just 80.2 points per 100 possessions.
This season, Johnson has overcome the doubts from many entering the season in relation to his new $50 million contract. Over 72 games, Johnson is wavering 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals in a career-high 30.0 minutes per game. Johnson has embraced the added responsibility, scoring at least 20 points or more on eight occasions.
With the win, the Heat have now left it to the final game of the regular season to decide their playoff fate. First, they need to win their final game at home against the Washington Wizards. Secondly, they also require one of either the Indiana Pacers or the Chicago Bulls to lose their remaining game.
The Pacers play host to the Atlanta Hawks, whereas the Bulls are matched up at home against the bottom placed Brooklyn Nets. The Pacers are currently 41-40, with the Bulls and the Heat sharing a 40-41 record.
In the event that all three are tied with a 41-41 record, the Heat hold the regular season tie-breaker over the Pacers, 2-1.
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The Heat’s final game against the Wizards is at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday night. Game starts 8 pm ET.