Bam, Heat hold off Pistons in matchup of undermanned

At least through three quarters, the Miami Heat did what you should do to weary, groggy teams.

And the Detroit Pistons, in the state they arrived Tuesday, were that. Without Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, their star and resurgent sixth man. Groggy after a flight that arrived at 5:30am.

While the 117-108 victory, which was supremely sloppy down the stretch, may not seem like much, this was the type of game the Heat has found a way to lose the past couple of seasons, especially when they were shorthanded themselves. On this night, however, without Tyler Herro, Derrick Jones Jr. and James Johnson — and playing three G-League players regularly — they dominated Detroit at the start and that was enough to survive. While the Pistons pulled closer late, even with Andre Drummond fouling out, it never felt as if the Heat lost control, especially as Jimmy Butler (20 points) finally started looking to score.

The pacesetters? The veterans. Goran Dragic entered the NBA in the top 5 in bench scoring, and continued his comfortable rhythm with his eighth double-digit performance (18 points) in 10 outings. Butler, as he’s done all but three times this season, worked his way into the game offensively, setting tempo and finding shooters, with 13 of Miami’s 34 assists. And Miami’s young vet, Bam Adebayo, who had 18 points and 14 rebounds, flashed his shooting touch with a 17-foot jumper and a nifty hook, before fouling out.

That, plus at least three three-pointers apiece from Duncan Robinson and the recently-struggling Kendrick Nunn and Kelly Olynyk, was sufficient. All 10 Heat players scored, including two-way guard Daryl Macon (flown in as a reinforcement) and Mr. 305 Udonis Haslem, who got the loudest ovation when he entered, chewing on his mouthpiece.

Cleveland is next, part of a stretch that should see the Heat soar to 11-3, provided they close better than they did Tuesday night.

(Cover photo by Alejandro Villegas)

Tweets of the night:

Fast start for Heat….

Ball movement is there.

6-0.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

The Heat are getting good Duncan Robinson tonight.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

Adebayo has made a floater and a hook.

Huge difference in his game if he can convert those.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

Been saying this since opening night: Chris Silva did the #Heat a ton of favors by showing they can rely on him for consistent energy. Play hard at that size with that level of athleticism, and you can make an impact.

— Zach Buckley (@ZachBuckleyNBA) November 13, 2019

Dion replacement? https://t.co/FO1qToQp5Z

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

One thing I noticed in locker room pregame:

Jimmy Butler, when he wasn't telling KZ Okpala to help him take off his shoes, had some fun exchanges with Goran Dragic.

Mutual respect there.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

Here we go again:

The Heat have 18 assists on 22 made baskets.

Butler and Dragic have combined for 11.

The veterans setting the tone again.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

Halftime.

Heat 59.

Pistons 37.

Dragic 13.
Adebayo, Robinson 8.

Butler 6 assists.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

The Heat cannot trade Goran Dragic this season.

Just can't.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019

#HeatTwitter When we were told one of our next watch parties is going to be at Gold Club!@5ReasonsSports pic.twitter.com/1aSWtPG5v9

— Cinco Razones Deportes Network (@CincoRazonesNet) November 13, 2019

Jimmy Butler manipulated that possession.

Identified smaller defender.

Dove down to post.

Waited for double.

Quick pass to a player (Bam) he knew could handle it.

Fun watching him play basketball, even when not scoring big.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 13, 2019