Heat get strong outings from newcomers during OT thriller in Toronto

Friday night’s first game back from the extended All-Star break saw the Miami Heat return to the win column. They took down the Toronto Raptors on the road in overtime, 120-111, and received standout performances from several rotation pieces.

Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo were phenomenal, leading their squad on route back to the win column. Miami’s record will improve to 26-28, as the team inches closer to returning to the .500 mark. 

All-Star Herro showed out again in the clutch, while Adebayo tied for the franchise’s all-time double-double’s record. But the try X-factor of the game came from newly acquired Andrew Wiggins. 

The Heat received a strong two-way effort out of the talented wing, and played a crucial role in the team’s late-game execution. 

Wiggins stepped up to nail three free throws at the end of regulation, while also following it up with several nice drives to the basket in OT. It was the first game in his 11 seasons in the NBA where he picked up a road win in his hometown of Toronto.

The Miami Heat could be a feared postseason team if they get this version out of Andrew Wiggins consistently.

After the game, he stated his goal moving forward is to continue building chemistry with his new teammates, including playing around the Herro and Adebayo duo.

"Tyler and Bam, they're a special duo that can do a lot especially on both sides of the floor,” Wiggins said. “I'm just trying to get included/situated, finding my spots on the floor… keep building that chemistry."

Coach Erik Spoelstra also spoke to the media postgame, and iterated the importance of Wiggins adding another playmaking threat to Miami's core. It could help take a lot of pressure off the roster as he continues to get aclimated into this new system.

Additionally, Wiggins was not the only newcomer that put together great minutes. Davion Mitchell added 16 points on 6 of 9 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. The gritty perimeter defender continued his role as the team’s new starting point guard, alongside Herro in the backcourt. 

His point-of-attack defense against opposing wings adds a nice balance to Herro’s playmaking and scoring abilities. More importantly, Mitchell displayed an ability to knock down open shots and orchestrate offense in critical moments for Miami.

Kyle Anderson also received some playing time in the second half, and added a high IQ in his 11 limited minutes— despite only scoring 2 points. He seemed to check into the game while the Heat were in a rough stretch and settle the team down on both ends of the court. 

He made some sharp passes, snagged a couple of boards and provided a bit of versatility in a bench role. In the Heat’s previous game versus the Dallas Mavericks before the All-Star break, Anderson excelled in the starting unit in Adebayo’s absence. He contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks on 60% shooting.

It is an encouraging sign to see Miami’s new additions make winning plays on the court. And this revamped lineup can see what they’re made of while facing the contending Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.