The Miami Heat are still undefeated in their “Earned Edition” Trophy Gold jerseys.
After unveiling the jerseys in their March 11th win over the Orlando Magic, the Heat continued their winning ways in gold with a 113-98 drubbing of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Jimmy Butler led the team with 28 points and 12 rebounds (which tied a season-high). Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds in his first action since March 2nd. Altogether, Miami had six players in double figures–a balanced attack that proved to be too much for Cleveland.
Adebayo At Your Service
It is no secret that the Miami Heat play better with Adebayo in their lineup. His rebounding intensity, strength in the paint, and overall size help to create both an offensive and defensive identity for the team–which was on full display Tuesday night. Sure, his box score numbers didn’t scream “DOMINATION” last night. But Adebayo’s help defense, screen setting, post passing, and boxing out make the game so much easier for everyone else on the Heat. Kelly Olynyk was able to settle in on the perimeter more often rather than banging inside all game. Olynyk finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds. KZ Okpala was also able to move back to a reserve role that allowed him more beneficial matchups. But perhaps most importantly, all of Miami’s ball handlers knew that Adebayo was around to keep the offense from stagnating.
Jimmy Butler Continues To Impress
Adebayo’s return wasn’t the only reason the Heat ran by the Cavaliers though. Butler proved throughout the night that he was the most talented player on the court. 28 points on 16 shots is impressive in its own right, but it was Butler’s activity on the defensive end and on the boards that pushed Miami to a huge first-half lead (and eventual win). Butler’s ability to infiltrate the passing lanes and poke away balls led to multiple fast-break and easy-score opportunities for his teammates and himself. Additionally, Butler’s active hands and physicality kept Darius Garland and Collin Sexton from getting into rhythm all night. The talented Cavs backcourt pair combined for 31 points, but shot just 11/28 with a 6:6 assist:turnover ratio on the night. As long as Butler continues to play this efficiently and physically, the Heat can beat any team in the league.
A Balanced Offensive Effort
While Butler’s 28 points led the team, and Adebayo’s 14-point return grabbed the headlines, the truth is that the entire Heat team played well. Olynyk had another solid offensive game with 17 points, but his three steals and two blocks are proof that he has been buying into the Heat’s defensive schemes. Duncan Robinson (14 points) and Kendrick Nunn (10 points) played their roles well and knocked down perimeter shots when left alone. While Tyler Herro didn’t have his greatest shooting game (4/13 FG), he was able to initiate contact and shot a season-high seven free throws as a result. Despite not scoring in double figures, Goran Dragic, Andre Iguodala, and Okpala all provided valuable minutes off the bench.
Final Takeaways
- Even with Adebayo back, the Heat could use more size. Jarrett Allen and Javale McGee had too many easy opportunities close to the basket. Is DeMarcus Cousins still a free-agent option?
- The Heat got that much closer to full strength with Adebayo’s return. Is Avery Bradley next? The defensive-minded guard hasn’t played since February 2, but he is reportedly close to coming back.
- The Heat won almost every battle throughout the game. They shot better from the field, from deep, and from the line. The team out-rebounded the Cavs. They ran up and down the court with ease on fast breaks. They protected the ball better. Yes, the Cavs are a struggling team, but this is a recipe for success for Miami. Play their game, play it clean, and stick to what works.
- Another game, another day without seeing Udonis Haslem suit up.
- The Heat will wear their Trophy Gold uniforms for the third and final time against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, hoping to stay undefeated in them.