The Miami Heat have kicked off this season with a red-hot start, winning three out of four games. Wednesday’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets is evidence that this team is capable of competing with the NBA’s best. Miami’s efforts to retain their core players while also adding key veterans in the off-season will greatly benefit the franchise.
Top Performers
Recent NBA champion P.J Tucker played his second-most minutes of the season, having his highest scoring output. The 13-year veteran shot 50% from the field, totaling 15 points. Tucker fits the mold of the unselfish, team-first player that Eric Spoelstra and Pat Riley yearn for.
Budding star Bam Adebayo also had his highest-scoring performance this season with 24 points. Adebayo has continued to demonstrate his growth on the court, proving himself as an effective passer and perimeter defender.
Team leader, Jimmy Butler, tallied the most minutes out of all team members. Butler played for 37 minutes, racking up 17 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. With the addition of Kyle Lowry, Butler no longer faces the task of being the team’s primary ball-handler.
Sparks Flying Off The Bench
Although Duncan Robinson’s consistency and defensive prowess make him a more viable choice to be the team’s shooting guard, Tyler Herro provided a much-needed spark off the bench. Although the Kentucky product shot poorly from the field, his 14 points and eight rebounds helped thrust Miami into the lead.
Dewayne Dedmon has proven to be quite effective when given the opportunity to score. Dedmon has reached double digits in each contest in which he has attempted more than three shots. The ninth-year veteran scored 14 points on Friday, holding on tightly to his remarkable 67% field goal percentage.
Future Notes
The Hornets will travel to Miami on Friday to take on the Heat at 7:30 PM. The Hornets have got off to a surprising 4-1 start this season, with impressive victories against the Nets and Pacers.
Although All-Star Victor Oladipo has not announced a timeline for his return, Erik Spoelstra expressed his pleasure with Oladipo’s progress.