The Miami Heat came into Thursday’s contest against the Los Angeles Clippers needing a win. Not only are wins great, but they needed one to wash off the stench of their last two defeats.
Just like any win is great, any defeat is bad, but especially when they come as their last two did. Losing to two teams they shouldn’t have been beaten by, they needed to come out to show that they still have all the makings of a team that can make noise.
And though one win won’t do it, it goes a long way and certainly looks a lot better than a defeat. The Miami Heat would take this one behind the strong play of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Caleb Martin.
Butler would get them started right, dishing, boarding, and scoring in double digits in the first quarter. Caleb Martin and Bam Adebayo would handle the middle periods.
Caleb Martin’s scorching play would allow the Heat to close the first half in a good place, while Bam Adebayo would dominate the paint for most of the game and especially in that third period, en route to 31 points and 10 boards for himself on the game.
The Miami Heat needed a win badly on Thursday night and got one. What was impressive is that all of their top guys shined along the way.
And again, as stated, Jimmy Butler would make the last several crunch-time buckets for the Miami Heat when they needed them the most in winning time. It was a good showing from the Miami Heat and featured many things you love to see from them.
First off, Adebayo and Butler were able to get going simultaneously. And though he didn’t have as big a game as he has in the past few, Tyler Herro was also able to mightily contribute in this one.
On top of major contributions, at the same time, from your top three guys that were going on the night, as Kyle Lowry would sit for some much-needed rest, it was about how the entire group looked for most of the game.
Often an issue this season for the Miami Heat, they played with “purpose” and on one accord. It didn’t seem random or chaotic in the least bit, but all on one string.
This shows up mostly on the defensive side of the ball for Miami but often reflects in their offensive rhythm and flow as well. This game doesn’t change anything and isn’t a statement win, but you have to win the ones that are in front of you.
The Miami Heat did just that and must continue to do the same as they face an easier five-game stretch in their schedule.