The Miami Heat finally grabbed a win on the road.
For much of the second half of the season, many fans and pundits have questioned Goran Dragic‘s placement on this year’s All-Star team.
Fighting to maintain sole possession of the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot, the Miami Heat went toe-to-toe with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in a defensive grudge match.
Dragic scored 30 points, including the go-ahead basket and Kelly Olynyk tallied 17 points and five rebounds off the bench, as Miami held on to defeat the Lakers, 92-91 at Staples Cente; snapping a nine-game road losing streak.
Julius Randle led Los Angeles with 25 points and 12 rebounds and Brook Lopez logged 18 points in 32 minutes, despite the team shooting just 42 percent from the floor.
Lonzo Ball recorded nine points and eight assists as the Lakers have now dropped two consecutive games, after routing the Cleveland Cavaliers at home just six days ago.
Originally left with just .5 seconds to shoot during the final minute, the officials reviewed a shot by Dragic that was ruled to have not touched the rim. Upon looking at the replay, the call was promptly changed and Miami was given a fresh shot clock, setting up Dragic’s go-ahead shot.
"”It was a tough stretch, but finally tonight the basketball gods were on our side,” Dragic said."
Now just 2.5 games behind the Washington Wizards for fifth place in the conference standings, Miami is entering a crucial stretch as the final 12 games of the regular season quickly approach. Despite holding a six-game lead over the Detroit Pistons, there will be little to no room for error.
Here are three takeaways from last night’s win.
Goran Dragic still has it offensively
Despite Dwyane Wade holding the “bag of tricks,” the veteran turned back the clocks on Friday, recording his fifth outing with 30 or more points on the season.
Miami needed every bit of it, too.
While the shot that will gain the most recognition is the floater with less than 20 seconds remaining, it was Dragic’s rhythm from the perimeter that stood above the rest. A 37 percent shooter from beyond the arc this season, he was 4-of-7 from long range in 31 minutes.
While he had double the amount of turnovers (four) than assists (two), he was masterful at carving up the Lakers defense, knocking down all six of his attempts from the free throw line as well.
The Slovenian native has been Miami’s most consistent force on the offensive end this season, willing the Heat to several victories using his shooting. If they wish to make a playoff run in April, they’ll need more of that going forward.
Bam Adebayo has room to grow on both ends
Starting in place of the injured Hassan Whiteside, Adebayo has had several bright moments throughout the season.
Notching 11 points and eight rebounds last night, the former Kentucky Wildcat had his hands full with a veteran presence in Lopez.
Once regarded as one of the more offensively skilled centers in the entire league, it took Lopez just 10 shot attempts to get to 18 points, including knocking down four 3-pointers in the process. Dragging the younger Adebayo out to the perimeter where he’s not accustomed to being, the Lakers exploited that time and time again.
With the modern NBA now drawn towards small-ball and big men that are able to stretch the floor, Adebayo will be leaned on much more going forward, particularly on the defensive end. Despite struggling to defend the perimeter at times, the young center will have plenty of time to hone his skills in that area.
The injury bug strikes again
A common theme over the last three years, the Heat were once again plagued by injuries heading into Friday morning’s shoot around. While Josh Richardson returned to action, Miami would take one step forward and two steps back.
Both Whiteside and Wade were ruled out 24 hours prior to tipoff, casting another shadow of doubt over a three-game road trip that produced just one victory. For Whiteside, it was the 23rd time this season that he’s been unable to go, the 12th for Wade, who has nursed a sore left hamstring for three straight games.
Miami was without Richardson during an overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and didn’t fare much better against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, losing by 16 points.
If Miami wishes to move along in the postseason and avoid a first round exit, health will play a key role in determining their future.
Next: Miami Heat's Winslow talks to AllUCanHeat about new partnership, more
As of now, luck has not been on their side.