The Miami Heat had an uphill battle before them as they entered Friday night’s game against what might be the best team in the league, the Utah Jazz. They knew the challenge though, somewhat at least, as they just faced the Jazz a short time ago.
In that game, a game they played undermanned, the Miami Heat started out pretty good. They would fall off in the middle quarters though and though they would win the fourth quarter just like they did the first in that game, the lead garnered by the Jazz in the second and the third was too much.
That wasn’t the case on Friday though. The Miami Heat were a whole, somewhat healthy, and completely different team.
The Miami Heat came into this game against Utah ready and were led to victory by their leaders.
They started this game and finished it with the same energy. Playing with that same energy throughout as well, this was arguably the Miami Heat’s best played game of the year and that would have stood regardless of whether they had won or been defeated.
Jimmy Butler continued his excellent play on the season. He stuffed the stat sheet again and although he didn’t go for the triple-double on Friday, he did notch a season-high 33 points, to go along with 10 rebounds, and eight dimes to boot.
He wasn’t alone in his excellence either though, as Bam Adebayo and their third star all chimed in with big showings. Bam was his usual do-everything amazing self, really locking in from the midrange.
He finish with a stellar 19 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists of his own. It’s really just what Bam does at this point, contribute all over and we shouldn’t become numb or spoiled to it.
Seeing the last guy here go off, Goran Dragic, is a really good thing for Miami for a few reasons. Not only is it nice to get him back, in general.
Not only is it great to see him getting back into form so soon after returning to the lineup, finishing Friday’s game with 26 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Lastly and as I have cried from the mountain tops all season long as the Heat have struggled, it’s great because he helps illustrate what this Heat team looks like when they are somewhat whole, healthy, and with all of their key pieces in the rotation.
That’s just it! What car will run without a transmission, regardless of the quality, power, or size of the motor or tires?
What TV works without a power chord, regardless of the size of the screen or the maximum volume output of the speakers? Answer those questions for me, as I really could toss out a million of them.
Nothing works like it should unless it has all of it’s parts and the Miami Heat are no different. Stop expecting them to, because not only isn’t it fair but it’s only your fault if you try to judge them as if they are complete when they are not.
In any event, Friday’s win, along with the rest of the streak that also includes a win over the Los Angeles Lakers has to be looked at differently now. We don’t care how they look at it though, because we see what’s happening.