Category: Miami Heat

Observations and other notes of interest from Friday night’s 121-114 victory over the Washington Wizards: – On a night of bells and whistles, the goal was singular. – A “W”. – Yes, the court was red – very, very red – for the Heat’s inaugural In-Season Tournament game. – And, yes, the City Edition jerseys said “Culture” across the chest, in case anyone wasn’t already beaten over the head with the concept during last season’s playoff run. – But entering 1-4, this wasn’t about fashion statements or haute couture. – It was about slowly removing stench. – From a start to the season that...

Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 122-114 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks: – This increasingly is looking like a season of Herro ball. – Or at least least a regular season of that. – Or at least the start of a regular season of that. – On the nights when Tyler Herro is efficient, the boost is tangible for the Heat. – As was the case on Monday night. – At other times, when the shots are forced, it becomes an entire team out of sync. – Apparent already is that Jimmy Butler is easing his way into the season. – Now Bam Adebayo is ailing. – And it’s not as if this has the...

Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s 106-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves: – This was one of those nights when you could see the possibilities if the Heat consistently were in win-now mode. – Nikola Jovic created his moments on the boards and from the 3-point line. – But win-now means minutes instead for Kevin Love, who sat this one out with a shoulder issue. – Jamal Cain showed the type of athleticism this roster otherwise lacks. – But that was with Jimmy Butler taking the night off. – Jaime Jaquez Jr. showed unusual poise for a rookie. – But this is a team...

Observations and other notes of interest from Friday night’s 119-111 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden: – Going to be interesting to see how Erik Spoelstra handles the back end of this first of 13 Heat back-to-back sets this season on Saturday night in Minnesota. – This is, after all, a team that starts 34-year-old Jimmy Butler, 35-year-old Kevin Love and 37-year-old Kyle Lowry. – It also is a team with not much in the way of proven depth behind Love at power forward and Lowry at point guard, albeit with a solid effort Friday from Dru Smith. – Plus, the Timberwolves game is...

MIAMI – Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 103-102 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Kaseya Center: – Yes, there is no such thing as must-win in the first of 82 regular-season games. – And yet based on what now follows, a three-game trip to Boston, Minnesota (on the second night of a back-to-back) and Milwaukee, this was needed. – And necessary. – Because it will be interesting to see how the Heat handle the Boston-Minnesota back-to-back when starting a trio of 30-somethings. – As expected, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra opened with a lineup of Bam Adebayo, Kevin...