The Miami Heat failed to handle the first of two meetings against the Washington Wizards this week.
How slow can you go?
The Miami Heat appeared to have left their luggage and legs on the plane, starting completely flat against the Washington Wizards. Beginning the game on the wrong side of a 13-2 lead, Miami couldn’t salvage the night.
In the midst of a potential playoff match however, here are some takeaways from tonight’s game.
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Golden (Platinum) Oldies
When Justise Winslow unveiled the Platinum Group moniker earlier this season, none of its members were older than 30. With the return of Dwyane Wade however, the gang has added a platinum relic from Miami’s past.
Sending out a spread of Tyler Johnson, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Winslow and Wade, Miami’s second rotation chipped away the Wizards’ lead, bringing the score as close to a tie in the second period. With resident sniper Luke Babbitt on the bench, the second unit’s mantra shifted to making the extra pass.
Pacing themselves with ball movement, Johnson and Wade prospered. Johnson posted 21 points, including extra effort on defense with three steals. Wade helped bolster the run, dumping in eight points over a seven-minute stretch and keeping the game within reach.
The lineup was also notable, as Winslow commanded the ball-handling duties over Dragic. Continuing with confidence after yesterday’s blowout of the Phoenix Suns, Winslow contributed 15 points and six rebounds, in a season-high 38 minutes minutes of play. A variation of the group that swapped Dragic with Rodney McGruder, also gave Miami their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter.
Get Well Soon, Ellington
Sidelined with a quadricep injury over the last four games, Wayne Ellington’s absence has meant spotty shooting for Miami. Shooting near 50 percent overall, Miami’s 3-point scoring was limited to 9-for-33.
While Josh Richardson was feeling himself from beyond-the-arc, the missing spark without Ellington zigzagging around the hardwood. left much to be desired from Miami’s shooting.
Not having a 3-point threat meant Miami had to focus on getting to the free-throw line, which they did with aplomb. Johnson led the team with seven trips to the stripe, though he made just three.
Playoff Bound
Miami is locked in a tight playoff race with the rest of the Eastern Conference. Facing a potential first round matchup against the Wizards, Miami looked surprised against a team they’ve faced twice before this season.
Granted, the last time these two teams battled, John Wall was in the lineup for the Wizards. Still, Miami looked wholly unprepared for Washington’s group effort, that saw five players score in double figures.
Unfortunately for Miami, the Wizard’s new look opened up fresh offensive options, including former bench piece Tomas Satoransky who started at point.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Heat game without some Wade heroics. Wade’s and-one layup tied the contest at 105, sending it in to overtime, following Richardson’s lock-down defense on Bradley Beal.
The Heat would eventually come up short, as Wade and Olynyk missed the buckets that would have put the Wizards on their heels.
Next: Miami Heat: Luke Babbitt's return is right on time
The Heat will return to play the Philadelphia 76ers for the final time this year on Thursday, March 8.