Little-used Heat role player shows why Spoelstra trusts him in win over 76ers

The win against the 76ers is a great example of the “next man up” mentality for the Miami Heat.

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was ugly to start the game as Miami was down by as much as 19 early in the second period. Then, with 9:17 left in the second quarter, coach Erik Spoelstra made an interesting move, putting Dru Smith in the game. The last time Smith played significant minutes in a game this season was in a home loss against the Knicks on Oct. 30.

Smith’s entrance sparked a steady shift in Miami’s performance. Although he is not the flashiest player on the court, Smith’s defensive intensity helped control the game for the Heat, allowing Miami to start chipping away at the deficit. He applied consistent pressure on Philadelphia’s guards, including rookie guard Jared McCain, who had scored 10 points before Smith entered the game but was held scoreless for the remainder of the quarter, with Smith being his primary defender.

When Smith was in for the remainder of the second quarter, the Heat outscored the 76ers 26-10. Smith hit a timely three-pointer to spark the run and followed up with a layup assisted by Jimmy Butler. The moment Smith entered the game, he provided versatility on both ends of the court and swung the momentum back in Miami’s favor. 

The second half was no different. Smith, who entered the game with 3:14 left in the third, would not see the bench for the remainder of the contest. Every time Philly would gain some momentum in the second half, Smith would snatch it right back, including an immediate response to a McCain 3-pointer with one of his own and a steal that led to a transition layup for Josh Richardson to extend the lead to 16 after Miami went on a three-minute scoring drought.

Smith recorded a remarkable plus-minus of plus-23 in the 106-89 win, a testament to his ability to impact the game when it mattered most.

“As you’re sitting there, you see how the game is going,” Smith said. “That’s one of the benefits of being on the bench — you get to feel the game out a bit… We (him and Burks) had to have an impact, something to breathe life into the team. We were able to do that.”

And feel out the game he did. Smith made timely plays, both offensively and defensively, sparking a turnaround that helped propel Miami to victory.

After earning a spot on the roster last season, Smith showed similar flashes at the start of the 23-24 season until he suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cavaliers on Nov. 22. After Smith fully recovered, Miami again gave the third-year guard an opportunity, as the Heat brought him back on a two-way contract. 

There is no doubt that Smith’s number will be called again, but with Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. sidelined for this contest due to injury, it was necessary for someone deep on the bench to step up, and Dru Smith filled those shoes to perfection.