It’s been a concern since free agency, but the first player to answer those depth questions was none other than Gabe Vincent.
In his last seven games, Vincent has come across averages of 13.0 points on 45.6 percent field goal shooting and 46.7 percent shooting from three (25.1 minutes). To lead Miami’s second unit against Indiana, he scored five of his twelve points in the fourth quarter, including a one-dribble pull-up three-pointer over Myles Turner.
It was a dagger with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Gabe said it's time to board the plane pic.twitter.com/JJ5XrI5czw
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 4, 2021
Combining a tremendous shooting lift that he’s given Miami offensively, Vincent has created an aggressive defensive tandem with two-way talent, Caleb Martin, anchoring Miami’s 2-3 zone out top by harassing opposing ball handlers before they can cross half-court.
As the Heat were solid with their guard-play on Friday, it was understood that Indiana’s size and length would be a larger concern. This left coach Spoelstra to look towards the end of his bench and at his 23-year-old undrafted rookie center, Omer Yurtseven.