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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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. 

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.

“Bam Adebayo: The Heat’s Indispensable Star Amid Scrutiny”

Bam Adebayo, often considered the cornerstone of the Miami Heat, has faced growing scrutiny from fans this season due to a decline in his offensive production. However, a closer look at the Heat’s recent 109-98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on January 13, 2025, highlights not only Adebayo’s pivotal role but also the challenges the team faces in his absence.

Adebayo’s Absence Exposes Heat’s Offensive Weaknesses

In the game against the Clippers, Adebayo was sidelined with a lower back injury. The Heat’s offense struggled without him, attempting a staggering 52 three-pointers while scoring only 28 points in the paint—a stark drop from their season average of 45.2 points in the paint per game. Which is already second worst in the NBA. This 17-point deficit highlights the Heat’s dependency on Adebayo’s interior scoring, particularly in the absence of Jimmy Butler, who typically alleviates the offensive load.

Miami’s three-point shooting woes compounded the issue, as they converted just 32.7% of their attempts. This perimeter-reliant strategy proved ineffective against a Clippers team anchored by Ivica Zubac, who dominated with 21 points and 20 rebounds, showcasing the glaring void left by Adebayo on both ends of the court.

Offensive Contributions: A Slight Regression or Systemic Issues?

Adebayo’s season averages of 16.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists reflect his all-around game, though they mark a slight decline compared to his previous campaign. His field goal percentage has dipped to 45.6%—a significant drop from his career average of 53.2%. This regression raises questions about shot selection, the Heat’s offensive schemes, or Adebayo’s increased defensive workload.

Notably, Adebayo’s scoring has taken a hit in games where Butler is unavailable and when Herro is off the floor, indicating his struggles when shouldering the primary offensive burden alone. His synergy with Herro in pick-and-roll situations often serves as a cornerstone of the Heat’s offense, but without complementary threats, opposing defenses have found it easier to key in on Adebayo.

Defensive Impact: More Than Just Numbers

Adebayo’s value extends far beyond scoring. A two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree and 2020 All-Star, he is the anchor of Miami’s defense, capable of guarding all five positions. His absence against the Clippers exposed the Heat’s vulnerability, as Zubac’s paint dominance and the Clippers’ 56.1% shooting on two-point attempts highlighted a lack of rim protection and interior resistance.

Fan Perception and the Road Ahead

While fans may critique Adebayo’s offensive output, it’s essential to view his performance through the lens of his all-encompassing role. Adebayo’s ability to facilitate, defend, and adapt to varying team needs makes him indispensable to the Heat’s success. The loss to the Clippers illustrates Miami’s reliance on his presence.

As the Heat navigate a challenging season, the team must find ways to support Adebayo offensively while addressing roster weaknesses—particularly their lack of depth in the frontcourt. Adding another reliable interior scorer or adjusting offensive schemes to optimize Adebayo’s efficiency could alleviate the pressure and unlock the team’s full potential.

Final Thoughts

Bam Adebayo may not be delivering career-high numbers this season, but his impact on the Miami Heat is undeniable. The loss to the Clippers serves as a stark reminder of his importance, both as a leader and as the team’s defensive and offensive anchor. Moving forward, the Heat’s ability to build around Adebayo and mitigate his absence during injuries will be critical to their success.

The Nuggets went down big multiple times but emerged victorious in Aaron Gordon’s return. They shoot poorly from deep, but got what they wanted at the rim. And Nikola Jokić and Russell Westbrook recorded double-doubles. 

“We could not make a three tonight,” Malone said after the game. “We only made seven, 22%. But we did outscore them 27-8 [in second-chance points], we did outscore them 68-40 in the paint, and as I mentioned pregame, that’s kind of our recipe…”

The Mavericks were without Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, but that didn’t stop them from putting the Nuggets on their back foot early in Dallas. The visitors started, making two of nine shots, and their defense offered no resistance in transition or the half-court. Coach Michael Malone called the first time out as his squad was down 14-3 after four minutes.

Yet, the Nuggets’ offense stayed in cement as Jokić, Michael Porter Jr. and Gordon were the only ones to log multiple field goals, and the team committed four turnovers because of poor handling and a bad pass. On the other side, the Wild Horses briefly extended their lead to 17 points, ending the quarter up 32-17.

Then Gordon, Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan and Julian Strawther powered an 11-7 run. In the frame, the defense was slow to get to outside shooters, but it was sharp protecting the paint. And when Jokić checked back in, the squad went on a 24-17 burst.

At halftime, the Nuggets were down 61-58. The team had 34 paint points, 11 on the break, 18 via second chances, 11 off turnovers and 20 from the bench. 

The Mavericks had 20 paint points, 10 on the breaks two via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 19 from the bench. 

Subsequently, the Nuggets took their first lead of the game on a putback by Christian Braun a minute into the third quarter. But it lasted about 13 seconds as Derek Lively II and Naji Marshall countered with three close-range buckets. This upset Malone, causing him to call another timeout, but another Dallas avalanche followed. 

The team was down 19 points with five minutes left after Thompson nailed his second trey of the period. But Jamal Murray scored in transition and hit a turnaround jumper over Jaden Hardy. 

The fourth started with the Nuggets down 89-79. Murray and AG took over, adding two mid-range jumpers and two triples, cutting the deficit to two. After Dallas’ timeout, Murray captured Denver’s second lead, hitting a jumper with contact and downing a freebie. And Westbrook took the team’s third and final lead on a fastbreak layup. After that, a 9-3 Denver run was the knockout blow.

The Nuggets won 112-101. They outscored the Mavericks on the break 24-16 and outrebounded them by 18.

Malone said at the postgame presser he gave his defensive player of the game award to Westbrook. 

Takeaways:

• Jokić is still affected by his illness, but he put up a Sombor double of 19 points on six of 13 attempts, with 18 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and four turnovers. He scored on post-ups, one jumper, a putback and on freebies. All of his field goals were logged at five feet and closer.

• Murray was having an off game as his jumper was off target until late in the third quarter. The knee is still bothering him. Malone said he is not 100% healthy and thought about shutting him down at halftime. He added, “This team will not go anywhere if Jamal Murray doesn’t play the way we know he is capable of playing.”

• Gordon didn’t miss a beat in his comeback. He made five jump shots from short-mid to long-range and spun into the lane for a powerful dunk. Malone said after the game Gordon was outstanding while on a minute restriction. He played 18 minutes.

• Westbrook had his second-straight game with at least 20 points (21), plus added 10 rebounds and seven assists. Dallas couldn’t stop him from entering the paint in transition or the half-court.

• Denver’s attack was in the half-court 74.6% of the time. They scored 84.7 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 20th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.