Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat Notes heading into week 16

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Coach Erik Spoelstra should find a way to put Alec Burks into the rotation. He’s a quality veteran and the team needs bodies since it can’t count on Jimmy Butler.

 

Burks is the guy Spoelstra has forgotten about while Terry Rozier logs a good game as often as Pat Riley makes a public appearance. Perhaps assistant coach Chris Quinn can remind him, “Yo, this dude averaged 14.8 points on 62.8 effective field goal percentage in six playoff games last year, 20.2 minutes per. He’s wasting away on the bench.”

 

At this point, it might motivate the other players to pick up their game if they see Burks come in. Keep in mind that he averages 42.9% 3-point shooting on  6.9 attempts per 36 minutes. On top of that, the team is 5-1 in the games he breaks double-figure scoring. 

 

Some of that curling action he showed against the Pacers would help the Heat because he can score from long range and use the floater up close. His jumper would also make him a dangerous screener, especially with Bam Adebayo in inverted sets. He’s also a good option to use because he barely turns the ball over.

 

Win at Brooklyn:

 

The Heat held the Brooklyn Nets to 97 points on Saturday in the road win that spoiled Vince Carter’s jersey retirement. The team is now 12-0 in games they hold opponents 100 points or below. Additionally, Nikola Jović had another strong performance, making three corner treys and scoring two layups on the dribble and on a give-and-go.

 

Rookie Kel’el Ware struggled, misfiring on six shots in the lane and tried to do a bit too much.

 

Bam Adebayo only made six of 13 shots, but he finished with 17 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, one block and four turnovers. The team is now 15-9 when he records a double-double.

 

And the team registered its seventh-best defensive rating of the season (99.0) in the win. 

 

Herro’s season: 

 

Tyler Herro has tough competition for the last All-Star reserve spots but he has unquestionably played at that level this season. He is a much more lethal scorer than ever and only he and five other players (Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Zach LaVine) are averaging at least 24 points per game with at least a 58 EFG percentage. He broke 1,000 points in eight fewer games than his previous best in 2021-22, per Heat Game Notes.  

 

Furthermore, Herro is second in total made 3-pointers this season (167) only behind Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (187).

 

Adebayo’s season:

Adebayo has not been the same threat to score as he has been the last two seasons. He has only reached 20 points or more in 11 games of 42 in 2024-25, which is not nearly enough for a franchise player. Perhaps he’ll finally turn it around when he who was not content is gone. His defense is still elite, and he is the main difference maker on that side. Spoelstra’s new experiment of working him with Ware lets Adebayo roam the perimeter and be a terror on smaller players. Yet, for this pairing to have optimal results, Adebayo needs to improve as a deep shooter.

 

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The Heat will not practice on Sunday.

 

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Nuggets’ disaster on prime-time TV against Timberwolves

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The Nuggets got schooled by their division foes in Minnesota and were always behind. They let the Timberwolves invade their paint for 72 points, the second-most digits given up to an opponent in that spot all year.

 

They showed little resistance on defense and were on their back foot early. It took Nikola Jokić scoring five times at close range plus nailing a pick-and-pop shot, and Jamal Murray making two jumpers and laying in a lob to prevent the team from getting shamed. 

 

The defense was still helpless in the second quarter because of poor closeouts and turnovers not letting them get into position. Yet, Russell Westbrook and Murray combined for six of nine baskets on the dribble and catch to keep the team within striking distance.

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were down 71-60. They had 36 paint points, four on the break, 14 via second chances and 12 off turnovers. 

 

The Timberwolves had 46 paint points, 20 on the break, 12 via second chances and 19 off turnovers.

 

Then the Nuggets came out of the break, making three of five baskets, but were down 15 points over two minutes in. Their offense shot 59.1% for the period, but the Wolves kept feasting when they wanted to, and four of them made multiple field goals.  Anthony Edwards defaced the defense the most, dribbling into its heart for three baskets and nailing two triples.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets down 109-91. The Timberwolves’ attack finally slowed, but making nine of 24 shots was more than enough as they were so far ahead, and the Nuggets offense was in the dirt. Jokić and Murray only played two more minutes before checking out in the last five with the team down 25. 

 

The Nuggets lost 133-104. They were outscored in three key areas: paint points 72-58, fastbreak points 16-8 and second-chance points 20-18. On top of that, Minnesota was superior from deep, making 46.7% of attempts to Denver’s 34.4%.

 

Takeaways:

 

  • The defense was slow to react to cutters plus shooters, and failed to play help effectively, Jokić especially. The Timberwolves logged a 63.2 effective field goal percentage, the third-highest opponent accuracy all season. 

 

  • Michael Porter Jr. also had one of his worst nights of the year. He’s 6’10 but played like he’s 6’1 on the glass because he got no rebounds. And he was a liability on defense.

 

  • This was the seventh game of the year the Nuggets had at least 20 turnovers. Their record in those games is 5-2.

 

  • The Nuggets got beat up on the glass by nine boards and gave up 18 offensive rebounds.

 

  • Murray had burst on the dribble and his jumper was on target. He finished with 25 points on 62.5% shooting, plus two rebounds, five assists and two turnovers. This is a different player from the slower and heavier-looking Murray, who was struggling earlier in the season. He was the Nuggets’ biggest bright spot in a blowout loss. 

 

  • Jokić’s five-game triple-double streak concluded as he was seven rebounds away from another. He also tied his season worst of seven turnovers.



Should Jimmy Butler’s Jersey be Retired by the Miami Heat?

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Jimmy Butler has brought the Miami Heat their most memorable basketball of the last decade. Jimmy was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a sign and trade back in the Summer of 2019. Thus, beginning an amazing five year run with the team in an era that brought joy back to all of Miami basketball fans. From the remarkable run in the bubble, to the dominant run as the East’s eight seed the Heat were put back on the map as a contender, largely thanks to Jimmy Butler. But this all came to a screeching halt as this summer tensions rose between Miami’s front office and Jimmy Butler. This situation has continued to grow into the large distraction that it has become. So, the question is does the triumph outweigh the tragedy, does the body outweigh the terrible conclusion, and can the Miami Heat see themselves putting #22 in the rafters.

Heat Retired Jerseys: A High Standard

Miami’s rafters are home to legends like Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, and Chris Bosh, whose longevity, championships, and impact on the franchise speak for themselves. With the exceptions of Michael Jordan’s and Dan Marino’s numbers, Heat retirements are reserved for players who embody the franchise’s values. Here is the list of numbers retired by the Miami Heat.

#1 Chris Bosh- 6 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds in 384 games 2x NBA Champion, 6x All-Star

#3 Dwyane Wade- 15 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals in 948 games NBA’s Top 75, 3x NBA Champion, Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA 1st, 13x All-Star

#6 Bill Russell- Retired across the entire NBA

#6 Lebron James- Will also be in the rafters after he retires.

#10 Tim Hardaway- 6 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 17.3 points, 7.8 assists, 1.5 steals in 367 games All-NBA 1st, 2x All-Star. Hardaway was also a part of the first “good” Heat basketball and was one of Pat Riley’s first acquisitions, putting the Miami Heat on the map with six straight postseason appearances.

#13 Dan Marino- The Dolphins all-time great quarterback has his jersey in the rafters although the number is not actually retired.

#23 Michael Jordan- Jordan’s Jersey is retired out of respect and for his contributions to basketball.

#32 Shaquille O’Neal- 4 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks in 205 games NBA’s Top 50, NBA’s Top 75, NBA Champion, 2x All-NBA 1st, 3x All-Star

#33 Alonzo Mourning- 11 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks in 593 games NBA Champion, All-NBA 1st, 2x DPOY, 2x All-NBA Defensive 1st, 5x All-Star. Vice President of Player Programs (2008-09 to Present)

#40 Udonis Haslem- 20 Seasons in MIA – Averaged 7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds in 879 games 3x NBA Champion. Miami’s all time rebounding leader. Vice President of Basketball Development (2023-24 to Present). The best embodiment of “Heat Culture”

Jimmy Butler’s Case for the Rafters

Butler’s case is compelling when compared to Tim Hardaway, whose six seasons in Miami earned him a similar honor.

Jimmy Butler’s six-year Miami Heat tenure:

  • • 2X NBA Finals appearances
  • • ECF MVP
  • • 2X All-Star
  • • 3X All-NBA
  • • 1st in triple doubles in franchise history
  • • 1st in 40+ point playoffs games
  • • Most points in a playoff game in franchise history (56)
  • 24.7/6.8/5.7 In 64 Playoff Games

Jimmy revived Heat basketball in the post-Lebron era and has an adequate case for #22 to be hung in the rafters. When comparing him to Tim Hardaway it is easy to make a case for Jimmy to get the honor. Jimmy’s six years in Miami have been more than incredible and frustrations from the fans grow from the “inability” to put together a team around him as many say Jimmy carried the heat with his “Playoff Jimmy” demeanor. Recent fallout has turned a once sure thing into a conversation amongst all Heat fans.

Despite these accomplishments, the case for Butler’s jersey retirement is far from straightforward.

Why It Won’t Happen

Jimmy Butler has had one of if not the sourest exits in Miami sports history. Butler’s public trolling of the front office and fan base has left many feeling betrayed, especially considering his role as a leader and face of the franchise. The perception of his buy-in to ‘Heat Culture’ has been shattered, leaving behind a fractured relationship that tarnishes his legacy. He had a whole organization and its stakeholders believing that he was bought into “Heat Culture” yet something has happened and the Jimmy Butler from Minnesota, Chicago, and Philly has come out. An unfortunate turn of events in such a great era of Heat basketball.

Butler’s attitude has shifted the narrative. While his on-court success is undeniable, his off-court antics have tarnished his legacy in Miami. Pat Riley, a staunch advocate of loyalty and Heat Culture, may be reluctant to immortalize a player whose exit undermined the franchise’s principles.

The Miami Heat are bound to trade Jimmy Butler by the February 6th deadline, leaving behind one of the most talented rosters Miami has had in the Jimmy era. If Jimmy could have had a peaceful exit Jimmy’s number would easily be going up in the rafters, but instead it’s a debate. Can Miami’s front office move past the tragedy to remember the triumphant times? Would this be a different conversation if he brought home a championship? Or had more regular season accolades? Who knows. We are nearing the end of the Jimmy Butler era in Miami and his contributions will forever be remembered, but the question remains, “Should Jimmy Butler’s Jersey be Retired?”

 

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Nikola Jokić’s 20th triple-double propels Nuggets to win over Kings

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The Nuggets played well for three quarters, then let the Kings, who were playing on a second-straight night, back in the game late because of poor defense before closing the deal. Nikola Jokić recorded his 20th triple-double of the year and 14th before the fourth quarter. 

 

“Not every win is going to be where you don’t have to put Nikola [Jokić] back in the fourth quarter,” coach Michael Malone said after the game. “We had to tonight. They jumped out 11-0 in the fourth. They made it a game, and our guys responded well enough to get the win.”

 

The Nuggets raced out to a 40-31 lead after one quarter. Jokić had seven offerings to six teammates and scored seven points via hook, 3-pointer plus a layup on a horns set going right. On the other side, DeMar DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis combined for nine of 16 baskets.

 

While Jokić took his early second-quarter rest, Jamal Murray got to his spots on the dribble, scoring thrice from long and close range. Michael Porter added four second-chance points, and Peyton Watson protected the paint.

 

Jokić, Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun returned after five minutes and change with the Nuggets ahead by 15. They continued on a 21-14 run supplied by five Nuggets to end the half. 

 

At intermission, the Nuggets led 74-52. They led in three key areas: points in the paint 44-24, fastbreak points 9-7 and second-chance points 15-10. Additionally, Murray (16), Westbrook (14), Porter (13) and Jokić (11) were the team’s double-digit scorers.

 

Then the Kings cut the lead to 12 on a paint attack and three treys. But the hosts responded with 12 of 21 shots from eight Nuggets, including four 3-pointers in the last minute of the period. The last one was a 66-foot bomb from Jokić.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets up 110-85, and Murray was the only starter on the floor. The Kings took advantage of the hosts taking their foot off the gas and rattled off 11 unanswered digits before Malone called a stoppage. Jokic scored two hooks in crunch time, but the Kings kept chipping away and eventually were down five with a minute left.

 

Next, Jokić’s freebies and Braun’s pick-6 put the game out of reach. 

 

The Nuggets won 132-123. They had 68 paint points, 18 on the break and 19 via second chances. 

 

Jokić had 35 points on 12 of 19 attempts, with 22 rebounds, 17 assists, one steal, two blocks and one turnover.

 

Braun scored 21 points on 57.1% shooting, with two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block.  

 

Westbrook put up 18 points on 70% shooting, with five rebounds, three assists, one steal and three turnovers.

 

And Murray had 18 points on eight of 18 shots, with six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two turnovers.

 

The Kings had 52 paint points, 16 on the break and 22 via second chances. Fox, Sabonis, DeRozan, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, Trey Lyles and Doug McDermott were their double-digit scorers. 

 

After the game, Westbrook said, “I think we are in a good space as a team. We are playing proper basketball and doing the right things.”

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Aaron Gordon only played six minutes in the first half and 11 in the second. Malone was asked after the game about Gordon’s frustration. He said, “I was told that he had to use the men’s room… Dan Shimensky, our trainer, said, ‘AG went back to the locker room.’”

 

  • Watson had four blocks. This is his 14th game of the year with multiple denials. 

 

  • This was Jokić’s fifth straight triple-double. Additionally, he had a season-high 17 assists, but his four-game streak of sitting in the fourth quarter ended.

 

 

  • Murray had 16 of his 18 points in the first half. Despite not much production in the second, he was looking more like his old self against the Kings.

 

 

  • The Nuggets had their second-worst defensive fourth quarter of the season (152 defensive rating).

 

  • The Nuggets have won 12 of their last 15 games.

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat soiled themselves and stained Pat Riley Court in the loss to the Trail Blazers

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Joe Cronin’s Trail Blazers embarrassed the Heat at Kaseya Center. A late spurt in the fourth quarter made sure the box score wasn’t as ugly as it could’ve been, but for most stretches, the hosts looked like the team that came in 14 games below .500.  And Deandre Ayton was twice the center Bam Adebayo was.

 

“Without Tyler [Herro], our overall intentionality was not at its highest level,” coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game. 

 

Yet everything was rolling in the first quarter for the Heat. They made seven of nine treys, Adebayo’s jumper and hooks were falling, and Kel’el Ware’s length and athleticism contained the paint. 

 

The second quarter started with the Heat ahead 38-34. Then Portland raised its pressure, and the Heat’s offense soiled itself, staining Pat Riley court by scoring 25 points on 27% shooting through the next 19 minutes. Ayton feasted on the offensive glass and scored 12 points at close and mid-range in that span. And at one point, Scoot Henderson’s corner triple put the visitors up by 27 with three-and-a-half minutes left in the third. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat down 97-77. Adebayo, Butler and Rozier were benched, and as the period went on, the Heat cut the deficit to seven in the fourth quarter on a 17-2. Portland took its foot off the gas for about eight minutes, but Simons responded with a layup on the right side, and Jerami Grant made freebies to put the game out of reach. 

 

The Heat lost 116-107. They had 46 paint points, five on the break, 13 via second chances, seven off turnovers and 31 from the bench. 

 

The Trail Blazers had 46 paint points, 21 on the break, 15 via second chances, eight off turnovers and 25 from the bench. 

 

The Heat won’t practice Wednesday, which is a shame because the offense looked rotorless for most of the game. Keep in mind, Riley used to consistently make players practice after getting off the plane if he felt they were not performing up to standard. 

 

Observations:

 

  • Duncan Robinson and Ware were the only starters to play in the fourth quarter, logging every minute. Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaques Jr. and Pelle Larsson also played all of the fourth.

 

  • The Heat were shut down in the paint non restricted area, making only 30% of attempts. The league average in that spot is 43.7%.

 

  • In Ware’s first start, he put up 20 points on eight of 17 attempts, with 15 rebounds and two blocks. He said, “I waited my whole life to be able to start an NBA game.”

 

  • The Heat’s offense spent 85% of the time in the half-court. They scored 83.3 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 11th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.



  • Adebayo had 12 points in the first half on 62.5% shooting but disappeared after, going scoreless the last seven minutes he played.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat destroy the Spurs, ending three-game losing streak in style

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The Heat disemboweled the Spurs, taking control in the second quarter and delivering the fatal blows in the third. The Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware frontcourt pairing blew up actions. And five Heatles downed multiple 3-pointers.

 

In the first quarter, Jimmy Butker had six early points on freebies, a cutting dunk and a drive-by into the lane. But the rest of the team mostly struggled to score in the paint because of Victor Wembanyama’s reach which made them hesitant, and they failed all five 3-point tries. 

 

On the other side, the Spurs opened by making six of their first eight shots. Wembanyama scored on a rim roll, made two triples plus drove past Tyler Herro for a dunk. His teammates added three of five 3-pointers, and the Spurs raced out to a 30-20 lead after one period.

 

The Heat were stuck at down 10 after back-to-back buckets from Keldon Johnson. But they countered with a 6-3 run before Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called a quick stoppage. Then Wemby came in, but he didn’t save the visitors as he kept bricking jumpers against the solid defense of Adebayo and Ware. A 14-3 run was supplied by four treys from Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier and Ware, and Ware’s putback.

 

Defensively, the Heat held the Spurs to 11 second-quarter points by mixing in zone with man-to-man coverage and contesting on time. They even held the Spurs without a basket on the last nine attempts.

 

At halftime, the Heat was ahead 46-41. They had 30 paint points, 10 on the break, four via second chances, four off turnovers and 20 from the bench.

 

The Spurs had 16 paint points, seven on the break, five via second chances, six off turnovers and 14 from the bench. 

 

Then Ware started the third quarter in place of Haywood Highsmith to combat San Antonio’s size. His length bothered Wemby’s outside shooting and dribbling. Offensively, the crew started with Tyler Herro making freebies, a 14-foot pull-up jumper and a 3-pointer; and Robsinon had a trey, forcing the Spurs to call the first adjustment of the quarter. But it didn’t help them, as the Heat extended the lead on quick triples, cuts and screen rolls .

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat up 92-68. Ware continued his career night with a close-range hook over Wemby and punched in three extra dunks. And Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. boosted the club with 16 points on 75% shooting.

 

Even with the Spurs racking up 39 points in the fourth, the Heat were never in danger of letting the game slip away. 

 

The Heat won 128-107. They had 60 paint points, 18 on the break, eight via second chances, 16 off turnovers and 71 from the bench.

 

The Spurs had 42 paint points, 21 on the break, 11 via second chances, 13 off turnovers and 32 from the bench.

 

After the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said, “We can be dynamic defensively, and we just feed off that energy.”

 

Takeaways: 

 

  • Ware had 25 points on 10 of 19 attempts, with eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. He was great on rim rolls and moving without the ball. His length on defense was a problem for the opponent. 

 

  • Adebayo and Ware had only logged two minutes together on the court this season before the game. Yet, the pairing looked sharp, and this is a combination that must continue.

 

  • The Heat’s third-quarter avalanche was one of its best of the season, scoring 46 points on 70.8% shooting, including eight out of 10 triples. 

 

  • Robinson‘s cut into the lane for the catch and dunk over Wemby was the play of the game. This was also his sixth outing of the year with at least five treys.

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It’s Time to Move on From Jimmy Butler

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The Denver Nuggets continue to stand as an insurmountable challenge for the Miami Heat, exposing glaring weaknesses that cannot be ignored (The Nuggets have won 10 regular season matchups in a row vs Miami and also beat Miami 4-1 in the 2023 NBA Finals). From their superior size and depth to their relentless efficiency, Denver underscores just how far Miami is from being a legitimate title contender. Yet, the Nuggets are only part of the story. The Heat’s problems run deeper—problems that have come to a head with Jimmy Butler’s return from suspension. What was supposed to be a triumphant reunion has turned into a bizarre and concerning chapter for the franchise. Butler’s behavior—aloof, detached, and seemingly out of sync with his teammates—has raised serious questions about his role in Miami’s future.

The time has come for the Heat to make a hard decision. As much as Butler has done for the franchise, his presence now feels more like a hindrance than a help. A reboot, painful as it may be, might be the best path forward.

Denver’s Dominance Highlights Miami’s Flaws

The Nuggets are champions for a reason. Their combination of Nikola Jokić’s unparalleled playmaking, Jamal Murray’s clutch shot-making, and a deep supporting cast makes them a matchup nightmare. Against Miami, Denver’s size and versatility consistently exploit weaknesses in the Heat’s roster. Whether it’s outmuscling Miami in the paint or spreading the floor with elite shooters, the Nuggets reveal the Heat’s deficiencies in every meeting (Friday’s 133-113 loss was just another reminder).

Miami’s inability to counter Denver’s strengths serves as a stark reminder of how far the Heat are from competing at the highest level. While teams like the Nuggets and Boston Celtics are evolving and improving, Miami’s core feels stagnant, held together by the grit and determination that defined past success but increasingly outpaced by superior talent and strategy.

Butler’s Return—A Symbol of Dysfunction

Jimmy Butler has been the face of the Miami Heat since his arrival in 2019. His leadership and fiery competitiveness were instrumental in guiding the team to deep playoff runs. But the Butler we see today is not the same player who once embodied Miami’s famed “Heat Culture.” His return from suspension was nothing short of strange. Reports of Butler’s detached demeanor and tension with teammates suggest a player who is either disinterested or deliberately distancing himself from the team. In his return from his seven game suspension signs were clear, from pregame to post game it was all about Jimmy. The “I’m Back” to the pregame introductions (he seemed blah), and the postgame interviews in which he claims, “the truth will come out” and he has ” no beef with the guys on the court”. While both of these statements can be true, Jimmy is putting this franchise’s development on hold and the sooner the Heat can move on the better. Jimmy performed well in his minutes, but what is that really saying if the team has no chemistry, in a sport where that matters so so much.

This isn’t the first time Butler’s behavior has raised eyebrows. His history of clashes with teammates and coaches has been well-documented, from his dramatic exit in Minnesota to his turbulent tenure in Philadelphia. While his fiery personality has often been framed as a strength, it’s becoming increasingly clear that it can also be a liability. For a team that prides itself on unity and resilience, Butler’s recent actions feel out of place and counterproductive.

The Case for Moving On

As difficult as it may be to imagine the Heat without Butler, the franchise must consider whether he’s the right leader for the next phase. Butler is 35 years old and showing signs of wear and tear. His contract which started the downfall has a player option this Summer and if Jimmy opts in the Heat owe him another $52 million dollars.

The Heat’s best move might be to trade Butler while he still holds value. Younger teams with championship aspirations could be interested in acquiring a veteran leader with playoff pedigree. In return, Miami could secure draft assets, young players, or cap flexibility to build around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, two players who represent the future of the franchise. But the Heat also can’t jump the gun to move Butler just to escape his antics. Coach Spoelstra and Riley have a lot to discuss as the deadline looms large for the future of the Miami Heat.

A New Identity

If Miami moves on from Butler, the team will have an opportunity to redefine itself. The Heat’s identity has long been rooted in toughness and perseverance, but in today’s NBA, talent and adaptability are just as important. By focusing on developing their younger players and acquiring versatile pieces, Miami can position itself to compete in an increasingly dynamic league.

Bam Adebayo has already shown he can be a cornerstone player, anchoring the defense and contributing as a scorer and playmaker (very rough offensive season from Bam). Tyler Herro has blossomed into one of the league’s most promising guards. Surrounding these two with complementary talent should be Miami’s priority, even if it means enduring short-term struggles.

The Window Is Closing

The Heat are at a crossroads. Clinging to the status quo may feel comfortable, but it’s a recipe for mediocrity. Teams like Cleveland and Boston aren’t going anywhere, and ultimately the west is full of star-studded teams. If Miami wants to remain relevant, tough decisions need to be made. Moving on from Jimmy Butler is one of them.

It’s a bittersweet reality. Butler’s tenure in Miami has been marked by incredible highs, from the unforgettable 2020 Finals run to his legendary playoff performances. But his recent behavior and the team’s struggles suggest that the partnership has run its course. The Heat can’t afford to let sentimentality dictate their future.

The sooner Miami embraces change, the better. The Nuggets’ dominance and Butler’s strange return are wake-up calls that the current formula isn’t working. It’s time for the Heat to restart, to shed the weight of the past, and to build something new. Only then can Miami hope to recapture the glory that once defined this storied franchise.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Nuggets overwhelmed the Heat in Miami

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The Nuggets vanquished the Heat in Jimmy Butler’s return from a seven-game suspension. Jamal Murray lit up everything in front of him. And Nikola Jokić had his 17th triple-double of the season.

 

“I thought our guards did a hell of a job on [Tyler] Herro and [Duncan] Robinson, especially,” coach Michael Malone said after the game.

 

From the start, the visitors had the Heat on their heels. Murray had seven of the team’s first 12 points. Jokić finished four baskets from five feet and closer and had five assists. And Russell Westbrook made a shot in each corner, plus broke down Nikola Jović for a layup on the right side. Defensively, they were slow to get to the perimeter, but the Heat folded, making just two of eight from deep.

 

The second quarter started with the Nuggets up 30-24. Then Murray took over, hitting five of six baskets from short, mid and long range. And Aaron Gordon added 10 points via freebies, jumpers and a catch-and-go in the dunker spot. 

 

On the other side, the Heat’s 3-point shooting kept faltering at a 20% clip. But Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović and Jaime Jaquez Jr. made multiple field goals. 

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were up 67-55. They were up in three key areas: paint points 36-34, fastbreak points 10-7, and second-chance points 3-0.

 

Subsequently, Denver got sloppy on defense as Butler got loose on two rim attacks and two jumpers. They also permitted Adebayo, Jović and Robinson to make multiple shots. Yet, their saving grace was that Jokić nailed five freebies, a trey and two baskets in the restricted area. Additionally, Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. connected on three 3-pointers.

 

The fourth quarter began with the Nuggets on top 98-86. Jokić and Westbrook rested all of the period as the squad kept exposing the Heat from deep.

 

The Nuggets won 133-113. They had 58 paint points, 17 on the break, seven via second chances, 10 off turnovers and 42 from the bench.

 

The Heat had 62 paint points, 17 on the break, eight via second chances, four off turnovers and 47 from the bench.

 

Jokić handled the on-court interview. He said, “The defense was where it’s supposed to be.” When asked about his elbow, he said it was a little bit sore but better than Thursday. Jokić missed Wednesday’s game against Houston because he hurt his right elbow while warming up.

 

Takeaways:

 

  • The Nuggets’ attack was in the half-court for 79.2% of the time. They scored 128.6 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 99th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

  • The Nuggets had 35 assists to six turnovers. This was the Nuggets’ second-best game taking care of the ball this season. 

 

  • Malone said Christain Braun was awarded the defensive player of the game badge.

 

  • Jokić played 31 minutes. He’s played less time in only five games this season. He finished with 24 points, on nine of 12 attempts, with 12 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and two turnovers.

 

  • Jokić’s over-the-head, no-look pass to Gordon cutting behind him on the break for a dunk was the play of the game.

 

  • Julian Strawther was effective in the fourth quarter, seizing the baseline for a layup and making three triples.

 

  • The Nuggets never trailed after the first few minutes. 

 

 



Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Turnovers and poor defense caused the Nuggets’ downfall against the Rockets

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The undermanned Nuggets got pushed around at home by the Rockets. The latter took 19 extra shots as a result of forcing 18 turnovers plus recovering four more rebounds. And Jalen Green’s jumper was like a cannon with bottomless rounds. The Nuggets were without Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon.

 

“When you’re without your starting power forward and center against a team that sits no. 2 in the Western Conference, you got to play damn near perfect, and we were definitely far from that tonight,” coach Michael Malone said after the game.

 

The Nuggets shot well early. Jamal Murray made a pull-up triple and scored on a screen roll at the cup plus racked up four dimes. But their work was offset by committing seven turnovers thanks to Houston’s pressure. On defense, the team was slow to reach outside shooters.

 

The second quarter started with Denver down five points. Then the visitors seized control, intercepting the ball and stripping it. On the other side, the Rockets rattled off 41 points on 60% shooting.  Green caused most of the devastation, scoring on screen rolls, getting to the line, and blowing by Michael Porter Jr. for a shot in the lane. 

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were down 69-48. They had 12 turnovers to eight assists. Their mistakes were like a boxer continuously walking into an opponent’s traps. They were also being outscored in four key areas: paint points 24-22, fastbreak points 8-3, second chance points 9-8 and points off turnovers 17-5.

 

Subsequently, Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, Porter and Murray started the third quarter making six of nine shots. Yet that only cut the deficit to 17, and Houston scored 13 points off five Denver turnovers. 

 

For the Rockets, Green buried three more jumpers and viciously dunked over Dario Šarić. And Alperen Şengün added 10 points on five of eight attempts. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets down 102-81. Braun was the only starter to play, logging four-and-a-half minutes. Malone conceded when he dumped the bottom four of the bench- Hunter Tyson, Zeke Nnaji, Trey Alexander and Jalen Pickett- into the game.

 

The Nuggets lost 128-108. They were outscored in the four key areas: in the paint by 10, on the break by 18, on second chances by two, and by 26 off turnovers.

 

“When we turned it over, we didn’t hustle back, we didn’t make extra effort plays to try to limit their points off turnovers… but that second quarter was definitely where the game got away,” Malone said. 

 

Takeaways:

  • Porter struggled to be a factor on both sides.

 

  • Malone said he hadn’t gotten an update on Jokić’s right elbow inflammation. Jokić was warming up with a shooting sleeve before the game. 

 

  • Braun’s strong night scoring- 22 points on 10 of 11 shots- didn’t make much of a dent because of all the turnovers and poor transition defense.  

 

  • The Nuggets’ attack spent 84.6% of its time in the half-court, good enough for the 10th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

  • The Nuggets never led. 

 

 



Can Haywood Highsmith Develop into an Elite 3-and-D Player?

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Can Haywood Highsmith Develop into an Elite 3-and-D Player?

The Miami Heat have long been known for their ability to develop overlooked talent into valuable contributors. Haywood Highsmith, a 28-year-old forward, is the latest example of this organizational knack. Through 36 games this season, Highsmith has established himself as a reliable role player, but the question remains: Can he take the next step and become an elite 3-and-D player?

Highsmith’s Growth as a Role Player

Highsmith’s development has been a steady climb. Averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, he has carved out a nice role in Miami’s rotation. His shooting efficiency has been a revelation, with a career-best 48.7% from the field and a stellar 41.9% from three-point range on 3.3 attempts per game. Ranking 47th in the league in three-point percentage, he’s shown that he can stretch the floor effectively—a critical skill for a 3-and-D player.

Defensively, Highsmith has consistently been tasked with guarding some of the league’s toughest assignments. At 6-foot-7, he combines length and effort to disrupt opponents at the point of attack. His defensive rating of 110.9 is solid, especially when considering the minutes he spends against premier scorers.

While his offensive rating of 110.2 doesn’t leap off the page, it showcases his role as a complementary piece who makes smart decisions and doesn’t waste possessions. His baseline cuts, corner three-point accuracy, and knack for timely steals all contribute to Miami’s system.

Highsmith’s Standout Performances

Two recent games highlight Highsmith’s potential for elite two-way play.

December 29, 2024, vs. Houston Rockets (+/- +10)
Against the Rockets, Highsmith was a difference-maker. Scoring 15 points with three triples, eight rebounds 2 assists, three steals and a block. His effort was also seen on the offensive glass grabbing four offensive boards helping propel Miami to a close victory.

January 11, 2025, vs. Portland Trailblazers (+/-+13)
In a win over the Blazers, He scored 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from deep, had three boards four assists, and added five steals. Highsmith showcased his abilities in his extended performance, logging 37 minutes.

Path to Becoming Elite

For Highsmith to elevate himself into the category of elite 3-and-D players, several areas of growth are key:

  1. Consistency on Defense
    While Highsmith has proven he can guard multiple positions, his defensive performances have occasionally fluctuated. Developing into an elite defender requires not only effort but also refining his technique and understanding of defensive rotations.
  2. Increased Volume and Efficiency
    Shooting 41.9% from three-point range is impressive, but Highsmith averages just 3.3 attempts per game. To become a truly elite 3-and-D player, he’ll need to increase his volume while maintaining his efficiency. Becoming a more aggressive shooter would force defenses to account for him more, opening up opportunities for Miami’s stars.
  3. Playmaking and Offensive Creativity
    While his role doesn’t require him to create off the dribble, adding even a basic ability to attack closeouts or find teammates on drives could make him a more dynamic offensive threat.

Highsmith’s Value to Miami

Highsmith’s growth has already made him an invaluable piece for the Heat. His two-year, $10.8 million deal, signed in July, is proving to be a bargain. Miami thrives on finding and maximizing players like Highsmith—unheralded talents who buy into the Heat’s culture and grow within their system.

Now eligible to be traded as of January 15, Highsmith’s name may surface in trade rumors. However, his value to Miami as a two-way player on a team-friendly deal makes it hard to imagine the Heat parting ways with him easily.

The Road Ahead

Haywood Highsmith’s journey from fringe NBA player to trusted role player has been impressive, but his story is far from finished. If he continues to refine his game and expand his impact, there’s little doubt he can develop into one of the league’s elite 3-and-D players.

For now, Highsmith remains a crucial part of Miami’s rotation and an example of what makes the Heat organization so effective: a commitment to player development and maximizing potential. Whether he becomes elite or remains a strong role player, Highsmith’s contributions are a testament to his work ethic and Miami’s belief in him.