Tyler Herro’s dominant performance gets wasted in crushing Heat loss

After a fourth quarter comeback fueled by Tyler Herro, the Miami Heat fell just short to the Detroit Pistons after coach Erik Spoelstra’s costly late-game blunder. It was a heartbreaking way to lose the game after taking a 29-20 fourth quarter advantage and battling to the final seconds. 

Eighteen of those 29 points came from Herro, who lit up the Pistons defense with six fourth-quarter triples. He went on a personal 9-0 run in the final minutes of regulation to tie the game for Miami. His red hot shooting had him finish with a statline of 40 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 10 3-point makes.

The polarizing guard’s 40-point explosion came in elite shooting efficiency, going 14/27 from the field (52%) and 10/17 from deep (59%). Herro became the first player in NBA history with 40 points, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 10 made 3-pointers in a single game. He is also the first Heat player with multiple games or 10 3-pointers in a single game in franchise history.

It was a masterful performance in what has been an All-Star caliber campaign— by far the brightest spot of the Heat’s shaky 2024-25 season. He has taken his game to a whole different level, providing the Heat with efficiency that has surpassed expectations. 

Herro’s season averages skyrocketed to 24.9 points, 5.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds on impressive 51/48/83 shooting splits. 

He is on the brink of 50% shooting and 50% from 3-point range; putting together truly elite numbers from the marksman. Herro’s career night showcased his efficient scoring and all-around skills. It seemed like whenever the Heat needed a bucket, defensive stop or secure a big rebound, Herro was there. His growth has gone to new heights at the 10-game mark. 

He did it all against the Pistons, affecting the game in so many different ways to highlight his improved versatility. The maturity growth both on and off the court has been special to be a part of. When asked by the media on Spoelstra’s timeout mistake that costed Miami the game, he answered with leadership and confidence:

"Spo is one of the best coaches ever. It happens," Herro told reporters. "Great players make bad plays. Great coaches sometimes, he made a tough decision. It was an intense moment. Sometimes, you get caught up in that. He won us the game last game. We ride with Spo no matter what.”

Herro was able to bury the Pistons in so many ways offensively. He had the iso game working, but was just as lethal on the catch-and-shoot and dribble penetration. There were a few lob plays from Herro to Bam Adebayo and even Kel’el Ware. He orchestrated the offense and everything was flowing through him on that end of the floor.

It’s clear that the Herro All-Star leap is officially here. It was a crushing loss for Miami that fell just short of an extraordinary late comeback push at the expense of Herro’s masterclass, but his efforts should not go unnoticed.