The Miami Heat entered Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on a four game winning streak and hungry for another. You could see that from the opening tip, as Miami jumped all over the Cavaliers.
After jumping out to an early start that was followed by a quick Cavaliers timeout, the Cavs made a run of their own that was followed by a Miami Heat timeout. After that though, Coach Spo had his guys locked in.
It was pretty much all Miami Heat after that. The game was never really in question, as the Miami Heat got out to about a 20 point lead by the third period and nursed that the rest of the way.
The Heat were eventually able to shut the door on Cleveland. This would be their 11th win in 12 tries and as mentioned, their fifth victory in a row.
The Miami Heat got another win on Tuesday, but their biggest one on Tuesday night may come later down the road, via the rumor mill.
You hate that the starting unit and/or main guys had to play so deep into the game, as Jimmy Butler tweaked an ankle that’s hopefully alright, as the Miami Heat have a quick turnaround. They face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday on the second night of a back to back, which is sure to be a tough contest.
That wasn’t the biggest news or potential win from Tuesday night though. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, more help may be on the way for Miami.
Sources: The Heat and Thunder are discussing a trade that’d send Trevor Ariza to Miami. OKC is seeking a second round pick for Ariza from the numerous playoff teams with interest.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 17, 2021
Wow! In the middle of a game like that Mr. O’Connor?
That could be huge for Miami. Though Trevor Ariza hasn’t played all season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he is still a veteran 3 & D guy in this league, that’s capable of coming in to help your team immediately.
Be that as a big two-guard, a small forward, or a small-ball four, Ariza can still absolutely help this Miami Heat squad. He would be able to help them a ton along the wings, defense generally, and with his ability to knock down the open three.
If second rounders are all it’ll take to land him, Pat Riley should get it done, like yesterday. He dreams at night of trading second rounders, he has to.
With all the Miami Heat have accomplished in the past few weeks, that would be the cherry on top of it all, landing Ariza. If they can team him with Andre Iguodala, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the rest of the active defense on the roster, that’ll be a nightmare for opposing teams.