Category: Miami Heat

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs: – It was a game that crystallized the Jimmy Butler experience. – Doing enough most of the way to keep it competitive. – Then take charge as needed. – Sort of like his approach with the regular season and playoffs. – So this time, no rest at the start of the fourth quarter. – Not necessarily because of Erik Spoelstra’s new rotation. – But because there only was a one-point lead at that stage over a 10-win team. – Butler at his most energetic remains, by far, the Heat’s most significant...

MIAMI – Observations and other notes of interest from Tuesday night’s 121-95 victory over the Orlando Magic: – This is where the talk of a Heat Big Three largely should be reserved as a lower-case description. – Because for all that (regular-season) Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro provide, it is a trio that also requires ample support. – In this one, they got it. – Because at least during the regular season, an ensemble is what best suits the mix. – It keeps everyone engaged on offense. – Which also makes it easier to keep everyone engaged on defense. – So at the end of the third period,...

MIAMI – Observations and other notes of interest from Sunday night’s 103-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers: –  There were times when Josh Richardson appeared he was going to be shuffled out of the Heat mix. – And for one game, against the Knicks in New York, he was. – Then Duncan Robinson banged his head on the court at Madison Square Garden, with NBA concussion protocol following. – Then Kyle Lowry was traded. – And Sunday, there was no Tyler Herro, whose headache could have been a Heat headache when Herro was ruled out. – To his credit, after a shaky, injury-marred start to the season, Richardson...

WASHINGTON – Observations and other notes of interest from Friday night’s 110-102 victory over the Washington Wizards: – It was just over a year ago when the Heat added Kevin Love on the 2023 buyout market. – It was a move that continues to pay dividends. – With that again the case on Friday night, Love with a double-double within his first 20 minutes on the floor. – Again providing quality relief for Bam Adebayo. – Something the Heat continue to look for when Jimmy Butler dares take a rest. – Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said pregame that keeping Love in a stable minutes range has provided tangible...

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings: – This was about the little things. – Which, to a degree, is what this superstar-less Miami Heat team is about. – (With all due respect to playoff Jimmy Butler.) – To be at their best, the Heat have to be at their collective best. – Which means Jaime Jaquez Jr. again bringing the energy. – Caleb Martin playing with a fast twitch. – Kevin Love adding the subtleties. – Josh Richardson getting back to his Rook 2 form from a previous Heat era. – Those all were there Wednesday night. –...