Miami Heat Dispatch: Heat fall to No. 1 Timberwolves, despite return of stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat led by as many as 17 points but couldn't score down the stretch against the Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 1-rated defense.

Minnesota Timberwolves v Miami Heat
Minnesota Timberwolves v Miami Heat | Megan Briggs/GettyImages
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Quote of the game: "We're starting to rely on offense a lot"

Miami Heat Head coach Erik Spoelstra was visibly frustrated with the Heat’s inability to close the game, with Adebayo confirming those struggles. The second half problems continue to stack, and Adebayo believes it starts on the defensive end. 

“I feel like we’re starting to rely on offense a lot," Adebayo said. "We got to pick that up on the other end. A lot of times we left dudes on islands by ourselves. Obviously, defense isn’t a one-on-one game, even though you got to guard your turf, we got to help each other back on the string again."

The Heat have been quick to stop the opposing teams No. 1 option in the first half through multiple games this season, but the discipline falls through in the final 24 minutes. Miami needs to find a steady lineup to close the game, with the health of the team being a true indicator of what they can field.

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