The Miami Heat haven’t been the world-beaters on the road that they have been at home this season. Could they get the job done in Oklahoma City on Friday?
The Miami Heat came into Friday night’s game off a good home win against a resurgent San Antonio Spurs team. They haven’t been that good on the road this season at all, so to possibly go into Oklahoma City and beat a pretty good Thunder team would be monumental to this Heat team’s confidence, momentum, and bravado moving forward.
Things started out exactly as a Heat fan would have wanted them to. The Miami Heat took control of the game on both ends and began to exert their will in all areas. They started the game hot from the long-range stripe as well, opening three of three from distance.
The Miami Heat would ride their hot offense all the way through until the fourth quarter. It was at this point where the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to cut the lead to a manageable amount, based on the time that was left in the game to try and overcome said deficit. This is where, as a Miami Heat fan and knowing how things have gone this season for this team, things started to become tense.
Heat again where they were in Brooklyn and New York. Weren't able to close it out. Were in similar situation at home vs. Spurs. So on the road?
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 18, 2020
Have no fear though (after the fact, of course), as the Miami Heat were eventually able to close the door on a relentless Oklahoma City Thunder team. The SpoPrint on Friday seemed to be to allow the Thunder all of the outside shots that they wanted, via the application of the zone defense and if they could beat you that way, then we would have to live with their fate. This Thunder team is one of the worst shooting teams from deep in the league right now.
As stated, this was a much-needed road win for the Heat, as they have been far less than stellar away from South Beach this season. They will travel to San Antonio for the second slice of sandwich games around this Thunder game, which saw them face the Spurs on Wednesday and now again on Sunday.
If the last game against Pop’s team was any indication, this one won’t be easy either. If the results of the last game have any indication as well, it will most certainly be a tough one for our Miami Heat. Either way, we have faith and we can’t wait to see it play out!