3 Observations from the Heat's win over the 76ers: Jimmy Butler using new space

Three observations from the Miami Heat’s 106-89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Kaseya Center.

1. Jimmy Butler is engaged early

It had been 10 days since Butler last played, missing the last four games with a right ankle sprain. When he made his return Monday night, he looked like he missed the game.

The first three possessions went through Butler. On the first, Butler burrowed into the post and found Duncan Robinson for a missed 3. On the next two, he did it himself, getting into his signature push shot for four straight points. The last one was against former teammate Caleb Martin. It was weird!

Butler had 10 points in the first quarter and finished with 30 in 34 minutes in a blowout win. 

2. The Heat’s new starting lineup worked

With Terry Rozier out with a foot injury, Miami used its third starting lineup of the season, opening with Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Butler, Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo. That group out-scored the 76ers by 12 points in just under 15 minutes together while shooting 51.7% overalla and 40% on 3s.

The spacing of Herro and Robinson made a difference, and opponents are beginning to respect that Adebayo is a willing 3-point shooter. 

Let’s go back to that possession where Butler scored over Martin. Watch the spacing.

The Heat don’t play again until Sunday, giving coach Erik Spoelstra plenty of time to tinker with rotations. Rozier should be back by then, but don’t be surprised if Spoelstra gives this starting lineup another whirl.

3. Tyler Herro, using his gravity

Herro made only a pair of 3-pointers in this game, missing eight of his 10 attempts (right after I called him the NBA’s best 3-point shooter this season, too. My bad.) But when his outside shot wasn’t falling, Herro used his gravity to get to the basket.

The word is out on Tyler. Opponents are picking him up practically at the logo. Defenders are so afraid of Herro’s pull-up jumper that they can end up out of position. Watch Jeff Dowtin Jr. take a step toward Herro in transition instead of doing the basics and getting back.

Later on, Jared McCain switched up high. Herro hit him with a float dribble and then sped into the space behind him.

“He’s a three-level scorer,” Butler said.