Player grades as Heat’s comeback effort falls short in loss to Bucks

The Miami Heat failed to extend their short lived winning streak against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with Khris Middleton, the rival Bucks put up a valiant effort to earn the undermanned win, 106-103. 

Damian Lillard showcased his talents with a 37-point explosion and 12 assists— both were a game-high. He shot the ball efficiently going 10/17 from the field and 8/13 from 3-point range. His offensive impact put Miami into a deep double-digit hole to begin the game, as his teammates found a way to play off his scoring abilities. 

Trailing by as many as 22 points, the Heat came out of halftime clawing their way back into the game, ending the third quarter on a 26-9 run. Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier led the charge in their comeback hopes, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to steal the win down the stretch. Let’s dive into some player grades in the loss from Miami’s core.

Jimmy Butler: A-

Butler continued to remain a focal point of the Heat’s offense, adding 23 points and 5 assists on 6/12 shooting. There were a few bunnies right at the rim that didn’t fall, but he kept Miami in the game during the first half while attacking the rim to earn free throws. However, the third quarter is when he made the biggest impact, and it didn’t even come from his scoring.

As Lillard continued to scorch their defense, Butler stepped up to take on the assignment in containing him. He was able to take Lillard out of the game defensively and force Milwaukee’s supporting cast to make plays, which is when the Heat started to go on a run. His intensity on that end helped set the tone in the second half and it was leading to better looks on offense. 

Terry Rozier: A

In what was an expected rotation move following his two-game absence, Rozier entered the game coming off the bench. He only played 21 minutes, but wound up playing in coach Erik Spoelstra’s closing lineup. He was the best player in the fourth quarter across both teams, and kept the Heat in the game until the final seconds with his clutch shot-making abilities.

His second unit presence provided some much needed balance, as expected, contributing with 17 points on 7/9 shooting and ¾ from 3-point range. Rozier’s individual production was more than half of the team’s total bench points. 

Bam Adebayo: B-

Although struggling with foul trouble throughout the night after a few unfortunate calls early, Bam Adebayo had his imprints on the game. He finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on 6/9 shooting. It would’ve been nice to see more of an impact on the glass and take more advantage inside the paint, especially in the non-Brook Lopez minutes.

Adebayo’s efficient shooting and defensive presence provided enough to bring quality minutes. In a crucial possession in the final quarter, he was able to secure an offensive rebound and slam dunk, which contributed to the Heat’s late-game momentum. 

Tyler Herro: C- 

After a red-hot start to the year from Tyler Herro, the starting lineup switch with Duncan Robinson has switched his position to play more point guard. He is a combo guard by nature, but the lineup change hasn’t treated him well so far. In the last three games since, he has struggled to shoot the ball efficiently.

Herro has gone just 35% from the field and a rough 20% from long range during that span. The Bucks loss was no different, as he dropped 18 points on a shaky 5/14 shooting and 3/9 from deep. He had a chance to step up in the clutch for a potential game winner attempt but couldn’t knock it down.

As he has made strides in his overall game so far this season, his latest shooting struggles should be monitored a bit more closely.