Category: NBA

CHICAGO — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 109-90 NBA play-in victory over the Chicago Bulls: – This was even before win-or-go home. – It also was before the fate of the season hung in the balance. – This was during his pregame media session when Heat coach Erik Spoelstra paused to make one thing clear about those he was about to move forward with. – They had earned his respect. – On a night when emotion would be elevated and stakes would be extreme, Spoelstra took a moment before fate would determine what was next to look back at the tumult that had delivered...

NEW ORLEANS — Observations and other notes of interest from Friday night’s 153-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans: – If the reason for going with the regulars Friday night was one last-ditch attempt at continuity, then when it comes to Andrew Wiggins, that remains an abstract. – Back for a second game after missing six with a hamstring issue, Wiggins hardly looked playoff-ready. – Again as little more than an ancillary element of the rotation. – As he was in Wednesday night’s loss in Chicago. – Hamstrings certainly can be tricky. – And it’s not as if Wiggins didn’t leave Wednesday...

CHICAGO — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 119-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls: – First the perspective: All that was at stake in this one was the presumptive right to host a play-in game. – And even then, it was the right to host a play-in game that doesn’t even assure a playoff berth, but rather just the right to go on the road for another play-in game. – So, sort of like playing for a playoff booby prize. – But a prize nonetheless. – But it still beat the alternative. – With a loss meaning only road games in the play-in round. – A reality the Heat now face,...

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 117-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. – So what to make of this? – What, indeed. – Until Andrew Wiggins is on the court with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo for an extended period, the possibilities will remain largely unknown. – And at this point, the only way they can be on the court together for a long stretch would be in an extended playoff run. – Which, at this stage, appears highly unlikely. – This time no Wiggins or Adebayo. – So maybe it comes together Wednesday night in Chicago. – Maybe it gets Erik Spoelstra...