Miami Heat Outlast Magic in Double Overtime, 125-119

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The Miami Heat’s 125-119 overtime win against the Orlando Magic on Monday night was a testament to their grit, depth, and ability to step up in the face of adversity. With Jimmy Butler suspended again, the Heat showed that they are not just a one-man team, as several players rose to the occasion. The victory propelled Miami to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, a critical position as they continue to battle for playoff positioning. It was a game full of intensity, resilience, and some standout individual performances that will give Heat fans plenty to be excited about as the season progresses.

Bam Adebayo Steps Up

Bam Adebayo’s performance on Monday night was particularly noteworthy. With Butler unavailable, Adebayo had yet another opportunity to take on a larger offensive role, and he didn’t disappoint. The Heat’s big man finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. His offensive performance was a much-needed reminder of what Adebayo can do when he is fully engaged and assertive. His scoring came in a variety of ways — from mid-range jumpers to aggressive drives to the basket — demonstrating his versatility and skill.

This may have been the offensive breakout Adebayo needed to get back on track. He’s had his ups and downs this season, at times struggling to find a consistent rhythm on the offensive end. But against the Magic, he showed the type of aggression that has made him an All-Star caliber player. His ability to step up and lead the Heat was great to see and will be essential to Miami’s success down the stretch.

Tyler Herro’s All-Star Play Continues

Tyler Herro continues to play like an All-Star, and his performance against the Magic further solidified his status as one of the league’s top young guards. Herro finished with a game-high 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists, once again leading Miami in scoring and showing off his playmaking ability. Herro’s ability to create for himself and his teammates has been a huge asset for the Heat this season, and he continues to make a case for his first All-Star selection.

Herro has been consistent in his production and has made significant strides in his playmaking. His 12 assists against the Magic marked a career high, and his ability to orchestrate the offense without Butler on the shows that he is ready to take on a larger role as a leader for this team. His scoring is as potent as ever, with his smooth jump shot and ability to attack the rim, and he’s also becoming more comfortable in setting up teammates. If he can maintain this level of play, he could very well find himself in the All-Star conversation for the first time in his career.

Kel’el Ware’s Continued Development

Perhaps one of the most encouraging stories for the Heat this season has been the continued growth of rookie Kel’el Ware. The former top prospect has shown that he can contribute at a high level, and his performance against the Magic was no exception. Ware has quickly become an integral part of the Heat’s rotation. His size, athleticism, and defensive ability make him a matchup problem for opposing teams, and his offensive game is continuing to evolve.

Ware continues to build on his rise to hoisting the rookie of the year award.

Other Notes

Herro, Bam, Ware, Duncan, and Jovic all log 40+ minutes.

Duncan continues to run a great high pick and roll with Ware and Bam

Miami won despite allowing 14 second chance points and 26 points off turnovers

Coach Spo “We proved to ourselves that we have a tremendous amount of grit.” 

Team Effort Pushes Miami to Sixth

While individual performances were crucial in the Heat’s victory, the win was also a result of their collective effort. The Heat shot efficiently in the second half, including a 29-point fourth quarter that forced the game into overtime. Their defense tightened up when it mattered most, limiting Orlando to just 11 points in overtime. Miami’s bench also contributed valuable minutes, and the team displayed the type of resilience necessary for a deep playoff run.

This victory brings the Heat’s record to 23-22, as they climb to sixth place in the Eastern Conference. With the competition in the East as fierce as ever, every win counts, and Miami will need to keep up this level of play to maintain or improve their standing.

Looking ahead, the Heat will need to keep pushing with consistency. Herro’s All-Star play, Adebayo’s offensive growth, and Ware’s continued emergence will be key factors as they aim for a top seed in the postseason. Miami’s collective effort and individual star performances are creating a well-rounded team that is poised to make noise in the second half of the season.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Nuggets folded late in Chicago

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The Nuggets were slain by the Bulls on tour because of their inability to defend the three-point line and could barely hit any treys of their own.

 

After the game, coach Michael Malone blasted his team, saying. “Once again, it was us just messing with the game, thinking we can just show up and score at will… our inability or unwillingness to guard one-on-one and our inability or unwilling to rebound the basketball when they did miss, the few times they missed, was on full display.”

 

The offense was beaming early as five Nuggets made multiple field goals, including Nikola Jokić and Christian Braun combining for 10 of 10 in the first quarter. On top of that, the crew punched in 28 points in the lane, courtesy of fastbreaks off turnovers plus screen rolls.

 

Their biggest issue was failing to stop Nikola Vucevic from adding 11 points from close, mid and long range. Additionally, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis made four of five shots.

 

The second quarter started with the visitors up 35-32. Next, Murray scored three times inside and made a triple, and Jokić produced on the break twice, nailed a floater on a pick-and-roll set and logged a putback. The rest of the team registered 37.5% of attempts, and the defense started to fold, allowing seven of 14 3-pointers.

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were up 68-61. They led in three key areas: paint points 50-14, fastbreak points 20-0 and points off turnovers 18-3. The Bulls slightly led in second-chance points 8-6.

 

Then Jokić punched in his fifth dunk of the game on a feed from Murray, Westbrook scored on the catch and dribble and Michael Porter Jr. supplied eight points. But the Bulls went on a stampede after the Nuggets were ahead by 10, closing the third quarter on an 18-7 run. Most of the damage was done by Ayo Dosunmu hitting two quick 3-pointers, and the Nuggets went down a point heading into the next frame

 

The Nuggets followed up by missing their first seven attempts, and Jokić had to end his break early and check in with over nine minutes left. Multiple shots by Murray and three straight up close from Braun gave the team a spark, but the Bulls traded three 3-pointers late to put down the Nuggets.

The Nuggets lost 129-121. They outscored the Bulls in the paint by 46, on the break by 15 and off turnovers by five, but it wasn’t enough. The hosts connected on 18 extra 3-pointers.

 

Malone said, “We have to be better as we move forward.”

Takeaways: 

 

  • Jokić made his first 10 shots and finished with 33 points on 15 of 21 attempts, with 12 rebounds and 14 assists . He recorded his 21st triple-double of the season.

 

  • The Nuggets’ attack spent 74.6% of its time in the half-court. They logged 94.3 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 42 percentile of all games played this season, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

  • Murray had a strong first half and despite hitting two late shots, got weaker as the game went on.

 

  • Braun was the team’s second-best player, logging a career-high 28 points. His previous best was 25 points, set on Nov. 17, 2023, in a loss in New Orleans. He was a threat on the break and did well putting the ball on the floor in the half-court.

 

  • A season-high of 84 points in the lane went to waste.

 

  • Malone said he went to the shorter eight-man rotation to try Aaron Gordon at backup center. He was also displeased with the bench, saying they “didn’t have much productivity… that group’s gotta give us a spark, some energy, some juice.”

 

  • Gordon only played 22 minutes, showing some flashes of bully ball, but he was inefficient, making three of nine shots, and his defense was sub-standard. In particular, he let Patrick Williams blow by him for a floater and got dropped by Buzelis before he dunked.

 

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.

 

—

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.

 

Panthers Road Trip Updates: Tkachuk Named Ambassador, Bennett Snaps Goal Drought, Ekblad Remains Out

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After splitting the first half of a four-game west coa​​st road trip with a win 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday and 2-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings the following night, the Florida Panthers sit three points back of the Toronto Maple Leafs for first in the Atlantic Division.

 

The team will remain in California for a few more days as they’ll face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday before making a quick turnaround to face the Vegas Golden Knights less than 24 hours later in Las Vegas.

 

While the Panthers are on the other side of the country, here’s what you may have missed while the team is on the road. 

 

Matthew Tkachuk models for Perry Ellis

Less than a month from now NHL players will be trading in their club uniforms for their country’s as the 4 Nations Face-Off is set​​ to drop the puck on Feb. 12 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

 

The Panthers have a league-leading eight players who will represent their respective nations at the tournament next month. 

 

On Thursday, the spotlight belonged to Matthew Tkachuk, as he was announced as Perry Ellis’ off-ice ambassador for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

 

Statement from the official press release:

 

“Florida Panthers and 4 Nations Face-Off USA forward Matthew Tkachuk takes center ice across Perry Ellis channels to promote key products perfect for avid hockey fans ready to level-up their style game. Tkachuk will also serve as Perry Ellis’ Off-Ice Ambassador during the tournament, and beyond the 4 Nations Face-Off, Tkachuk will be featured in content for the brand throughout this NHL season, including in a series of photos and videos.”

 

Tkachuk, 27, was also featured in a promotional video for the partnership, which saw the Panthers star dawn both Team USA’s official jersey for the tournament, as well as Perry Ellis attire. 

 

Sam Bennett snaps 20-game goal drought

Starting the year red hot with 13 goals in 24 games, Sam Bennett’s play notched himself a spot on Team Canada’s 4 Nations roster.

In the midst of a contract year, everything appeared to be going right for the Panthers forward, until he hit a wall. 

 

After scoring for a fourth-consecutive game on Dec. 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bennett wouldn’t see his name in the goal column for seven weeks.

 

Bennett had gone 20 straight games without scoring a goal entering Tuesday night’s matchup against the Ducks. 

 

In the third period, with the Panthers leading 3-2, Bennett was finally able to get the burden off his back after he slipped a shot from the slot past Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal for his 14th goal of the season.

 

The reaction from Bennett was one of relief once​ he saw the red light finally flash for him after going nearly two months without a goal.

 

Aaron Ekblad still out with injury 

Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has missed seven straight games and eight of the last nine with an upper-body injury.

 

Ekblad, 28, plays top-two minutes on the Panthers blueline, while also featuring on both the penalty kill and power play throughout the season.  

 

The Panthers are 3-4-1 without Ekblad in the lineup and have shown some lapses in their defensive play without the franchises’ longest tenured defenseman in the lineup.

 

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said on Wednesday that they’re hoping Ekblad can join the team for their Friday practice session. He also said earlier in the week that the hope is for Ekblad to return on the current road trip. 

 

23-year-old Tobias Bjornfot — who spent most of the year in the AHL with Charlotte — has filled in on the blue line in Ekblad’s absence, playing in eight games over that span.

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.