Category: Miami Heat

MIAMI – Observations and other notes of interest from Thursday night’s 124-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls: – So let’s move past the result. – The bigger news for the Heat arguably came pregame. – Erik Spoelstra has been consistent when it has come to Tyler Herro updates. – “No new update.” – But Herro took care of that before Thursday night’s game, when he said he is targeting either Monday night at home against the Timberwolves or Wednesday night in Orlando for his return from the ankle sprain that has had him out since Nov. 8. – That would also have Herro out for Saturday’s rematch against...

Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 115-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets: – Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo were moving well on the bench. – Just not in uniform. – Haywood Highsmith felt good enough to get an on-court workout pregame. – The trends toward health are encouraging for the Heat. – Even with Josh Richardson sitting this one out. – Because for all you can get away with against the Hornets, more will be needed for the upcoming challenges. – Against Charlotte, the nine first-quarter turnovers weren’t fatal. – Nor was standing with 14 at the...

Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 116-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets: – The NBA does not have a Comeback Player of the Year award, so that’s out for Duncan Robinson. – But there is a Most Improved Player award. – And the unexpected completeness of Robinson’s game certainly at least deserves consideration. – Monday night, when Jimmy Butler didn’t get started until the second half, when Kyle Lowry couldn’t get going because of back spasms, and when the roster again was shorthanded, Robinson’s diversity of offense proved essential. – On this night, a leading...

Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 112-103 victory over to the Toronto Raptors: – There are times when numbers can be empty calories. – Particularly first-half numbers. – But for Caleb Martin, this was different. – His 23 first-half points not only already were a season single-game scoring high, but rekindled visions of what he showed in last season’s Eastern Conference finals. – The Heat need that Martin, as they sort through starting options at power forward. – And Martin needs that Martin, with free agency looming at season’s end. – In the wake of offseason...

NEW YORK — Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s 112-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets: – If not for a pair of blown 21-point leads, this could have been a 4-1 trip. – Instead, 2-3. – But there still is upside. – With Saturday closing the Heat’s opening run of 12 of 17 on the road, 10-7 hardly is the worst outcome. – Yes, some got away. – But this wasn’t in that category. – This was making sure Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo were right for what comes next. – An actual homestand. – No, the competition over these first 17 hardly was overwhelming, but the travel was. – So...