In the same week that Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra admitted his team can't go toe-to-toe with the better teams in the NBA, the Heat further proved their coach's sentiments in a 28-point blowout to the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night.
It was Miami's second game in three against the Western Conference opponent, having lost to the Timberwolves last Friday, 125-115. Tuesday night's 122-94 romp was far worse, however, as the Heat were unable to keep up with or match Minnesota's talent or offensive power.
All five Timberwolves' starters dropped double digits in points, with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 26 points. Minnesota's offense was a stark contrast to Miami's, which had just three players in double digits, and only two were starters. It was not Miami's night, and there are significant reasons why.
The Heat couldn't score against the Timberwolves, leading to one of their worst losses of the season
There wasn't a single Heat player with a plus stat on Tuesday night. Tyler Herro, who returned to the lineup coming off the bench, was a -26, although he did contribute 17 points in just under 30 minutes. Getting Herro back is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but his return had minimal impact on the Heat in the game.
Another sore spot was Bam Adebayo's play, who continues his trend of scoring less than 20 points. Adebayo didn't even reach double digits against Minnesota, scratching just seven in 28 minutes. The Heat have hardly any shot, any night, against any opponent, if Adebayo can't score.
The Timberwolves were simply the superior team, and the Heat were outmatched across all facets, but Adebayo's numbers are the most alarming aspect of this. On a more positive note, Norman Powell continued his high-level play, leading the Heat with 21 points in 31 minutes. Powell has been Miami's lone source of offense lately, it seems, with Herro being out of the lineup.
Powell continues to take advantage of the opportunities he's getting, and it's a reason why he should get All-Star consideration. This loss to the Timberwolves drops the Heat to 20-17 on the season, and 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Tuesday night in Minnesota opened up a four-game road swing that will next include the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls sit one seed behind the Heat in the East but are two games below .500, giving the Heat a little cushion. What happened against the Timberwolves cannot happen against the Bulls; however, that is for sure.