The three-game homestand that kicked off against the Phoenix Suns was supposed to lead to a better stretch of basketball than the Miami Heat have played lately. After knocking off the Suns in a nail-biter, 127-121, it is officially a good start for the Heat.
It was an entertaining game from the get-go. Unfortunately, the referees played more of a factor than they should have, and Dillon Brooks did some more Dillon Brooks-like things. Yet the Heat were able to overcome a better team and pull out the win on their home floor, backed by exceptional performances from key players.
The Heat played physical, tough basketball against an opponent known for the very same style, and it really did come down to the final minutes, because the Suns were up late in the fourth quarter, but Miami closed the game out, and the man who had trouble scoring points lately exploded for 29. Bam Adebayo was outstanding.
Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Norman Powell combine for 79 points to close out the Suns
Adebayo had maybe his best game of the season, especially considering he has not played like his All-Star self for over a month. But it wasn't just Adebayo that the Heat leaned on to keep up with the Suns offensively; Norman Powell and Tyler Herro also put points up, and the trio combined for 79 in total.
Not only was it Adebayo's best game in a while, but it was also Herro's, at least where points are concerned. Since his return to injury, Herro has scored 20+ points three times now, including the 23 he scored against the Suns. Miami needed his offensive footprint, and they certainly received it Tuesday night.
As for Adebayo, he put up 29 points on 11 field goals made. He played so well that Erik Spoelstra called Adebayo's game a "player of the year-type of performance" in his post-game media session. This is the version the Heat need from Adebayo, but they need it past this game more than anything.
Then, there was Powell, the one Heat player hopefully destined for the NBA All-Star game this year. Powell has carried Miami all season long, and he showed up in a huge way against Phoenix, scoring 27 points, which included four three-pointers. That's his bread and butter, and he knocked them down when the Heat needed him to.
While the scoring outburst by three of Miami's most important starters (Andrew Wiggins had an off night) was critical, it was also the balance and discipline the Heat played with. They moved the ball consistently well throughout the game, and 28 assists came out of that. Davion Mitchell had six of his own, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. added eight off the bench.
This win against the Suns was a well-rounded victory the Heat desperately needed to move them to two games above .500, and now sit at 21-19 on the season. A good start to a home floor stretch, and now they will turn their attention to the Boston Celtics, who haven't played since last Wednesday, so the Heat will be looking to snatch a win over a well-rested Eastern rival.