Tyler Johnson leads Miami Heat past Bucks in Dwyane Wade’s return
By Cory Sanning
Dwyane Wade made his return to the Miami Heat on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, but it was Tyler Johnson who shined bright.
Despite having lost five consecutive games heading into Friday night, there was an electric atmosphere surrounding the Miami Heat’s second home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Surrendering a 2020 second-round pick, Dwyane Wade was heading back to his professional roots. Having just landed in Miami on Thursday, Wade’s debut was highly anticipated across South Florida. Jersey sales were up 8000 percent. Fans rejoiced. Analysts praised. Head Coach Erik Spoelstra even chimed in.
"“What a terrific day, the last 24 hours and then to culminate in a win like this,” Spoelstra said. “After five straight losses it’s what our organization needed.”"
The Heat did not disappoint on the basketball court, either.
Tyler Johnson scored 19 points, Josh Richardson tallied 16 and rookie Bam Adebayo recorded 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Miami was able to overcome a poor shooting performance and hold off the Bucks, 91-85.
Wade, who came off the bench and logged three points on just 1-of-6 shooting in his debut, still came up with a key block late. Wayne Ellington also notched 11 points off the bench, including the game-sealing 3-pointer, with 14.7 seconds remaining in regulation.
"“They came out for us and D-Wade….that got us going,” Adebayo said. “Just being in that atmosphere and getting the experience, hopefully it carries on.”"
Although the final score will say different, Miami did not start off the first quarter in rhythm, as Milwaukee raced to a quick 9-0 lead. Led by Johnson’s six points in the period, the Heat were able to climb back within four, as the opening 12 minutes came to a close.
Miami would not experience an offensive surge for the rest of the first half, equalling the Bucks with 23 second quarter points. Johnson was again the leading man for the Heat during the second period, as both teams headed to the intermission with the score in favor of the Bucks.
As the second half began, it was quite clear from the start that home fans were in for a treat.
Holding Milwaukee to just eight points in the third, the Heat exploded for 30 in the quarter behind strong play from Adebayo, as the former Kentucky Wildcat notched eight points during that span.
Heading into the fourth, Miami was 72-54 and appeared to be on cruise control, and that turned out to be true.
Despite being down 18 on the road, the Bucks weren’t ready to go home quietly. Outscoring the Heat by a 31-19 margin in the period, Milwaukee pulled within four, following a 3-pointer by Bledsoe.
That’s when Wade stepped in and delivered one of those plays that captivates AmericanAirlines Arena.
Racing with Bledsoe following a quick turnover, the 36-year-old Wade reached up and pinned the layup attempt off the backboard. Less than 16 seconds later, Adebayo found Ellington at the top of the key for the kill shot.
"“He’ll find a way to make winning plays down the stretch, and it will be on both ends of the court,” Spoelstra said, speaking of Wade."
Having dropped to seventh in the Eastern Conference after being as high as fourth just weeks ago, the Heat are entering a crucial stretch that includes matchups with the Philadelphia 76ers and the top seeded Toronto Raptors.
Next: An open letter: Welcome back to the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade
At 36-20, Miami is merely 1.5 games away from falling out of the playoff picture entirely, making this upcoming schedule even more crucial.