Miami Heat: Wayne Ellington hits game winner over the Raptors, 90-89

The Toronto Raptors had their best start of the past decade with a 28-10 record, but on Tuesday night, the Miami Heat outlasted them.

Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington, dubbed The Man With The Golden Arm, had an insane game winner against the Toronto Raptors tonight, with 0.3 seconds left on the clock.

After what felt like a never-ending rollercoaster ride, he immediately drew attention from the arc and squeezed past his defenders for an open layup. He finished the night with 15 points, including 3 treys. 

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/950925048944017408

Hassan Whiteside, still trying to get acclimated to his new minutes restriction, finished the night with 13 points and 15 rebounds, one of his best games since his comeback from a bruised knee injury. Goran Dragic had a monster game both offensively and defensively, adding 24 points and 12 rebounds. Surprisingly, Josh Richardson had a quiet game, finishing with just six points.  

However, above all else, it was Bam Adebayo that was the talk of the night. Miami’s rookie recorded a career-high 15 rebounds, and simply out hustled everyone defensively. He also totaled 16 points and five blocks on the night.

Newly acquired Derrick Jones Jr. was a pleasant surprise too, tallying up eight points and five rebounds. This young player has amazing athleticism and is turning out to be a perfect fit with the Heat culture, in the absence of key players that are out with injuries.  

The night wasn’t all smiles though, as two scuffles broke out. The first taking place during the third quarter between Serge Ibaka and James Johnson, leading to the ejection of both players. The other came after the game, during which DeRozan shoved and threw a punch at Dragic, after a confrontation. The league is definitely going to review DeRozan’s actions, to see if a suspension is necessary.

After a 3-point barrage scare in the third, Miami managed to weather the storm, shooting 39.5 percent from the field. Both teams’ 3-point attempts had been scarce throughout three quarters, with Miami only hitting 4-of-20, and Toronto 4-of-11.

Even with a Raptors 7-0 run in the fourth, Miami was able to hold the Raptors to 38.9 percent shooting from the field, and completely obliterate them on the glass with a 64-37 advantage.  

The Heat have quietly jumped to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, including 5 straight wins. They are currently tied with the Golden State Warriors for the best record in that span.  

Miami is only the second team this season to leave the Air Canada Centre in Toronto with a victory, the other team being the Washington Wizards back in November.

Next: The Miami Heat begin two-game road trip in Toronto against Raptors

Let’s hope Miami isn’t too fatigued tomorrow night, as they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers.