The Miami Heat snuck past the short-handed Detroit Pistons for a three point victory on Thursday. The Pistons were without emerging Rookie of the Year candidate Cade Cunningham and four other key players on Thursday.
Earlier in the week, the Heat finally provided relief to Detroit’s 14-game losing streak. Although the Heat were without stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, it was a surprising defeat.
Miami was able to rebound from this unexpected loss just a few days later with a hard-fought performance. Despite still being without Butler and Adebayo, Miami’s role players stepped up to the plate.
Third-year sharpshooter Tyler Herro finished with 29 points, including a clutch shot in the games final moments. Herro’s development as a ball-handler has left with a well-rounded game, keeping defenders on their toes in preparation for an array of possible moves.
Floor general Kyle Lowry maintained his level of play that has made the Heat a legitimate threat in the East, with 21 points and six assists. In past years, Miami would be scrambling for a primarily ball-handler in the absence of Jimmy Butler; Lowry provides Miami with much-needed comfort.
DePaul product Max Strus has stepped up often in situations that Miami has been short-handed. Strus finished with 26 points and proved to be quite versatile when switching assignments on the defensive end.
Next Up
The Heat will remain in Miami as they await the Orlando Magic on Sunday. The Magic are just a notch above the last-place Pistons, and the team’s rebuilding process has collided with a global pandemic that has left the team short-handed on talent and depth.
(Featured image by Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel)