Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat couldn’t slow down the Pacers, losing sixth game at home this season

The Heat got embarrassed by the Pacers in one of their worst defensive showings of the season. The visitors feasted in the half-court plus transition. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro combined for 14 of 24 baskets, but it didn’t make a dent. And Jimmy Butler saved himself for the next team.

The Pacers went on a 12-2 run, supplied by Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, forcing the Heat’s first timeout. This spurt also included Myles Turner denying Butler twice- once on a drive and another breaking up a lob.

The team responded with baskets from Adebayo, Terry Rozier and Kel’el Ware, but the Pacers kept rolling behind Haliburton, scoring and setting up others. It was the second-most points by a Heat opponent through the first quarter all season.

In the second quarter, Herro and Adebayo were the only Heatles to make multiple shots. On the other side, Pascal Siakam successfully posted up, drove into the lane and finished a lob on the break; and Turner added nine points.

At halftime, the Heat was down 66-50. The team had 22 paint points, seven on the break, four via second chances, seven off turnovers and 20 from the bench. 

Butler only logged one of two shots and mostly looked to pass even when he had opportunities to go to the body.

The Pacers had 32 paint points, 11 on the break, five via second chances, eight off turnovers and 22 from the bench. 

Subsequently, Duncan Robinson connected on two triples early in the third, but it was quickly negated by six quick points by Turner. Haliburton also hit two mid-range jumpers on the dribble and with under two minutes left, Indiana’s lead starched to 28.

The Heat’s effort was better in the fourth, but the Pacers only needed to produce 30.8% of shots to separate themselves to the finish line.

The Heat lost 128-115. The team had 56 paint points, 12 on the break, nine via second chances, nine off turnovers and 57 from the bench.

Butler played 26 minutes, recording nine points on three of six shots, with two rebounds, four assists, two steals and a turnover.

Adebayo had 20 points on 66.7% shooting, with eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one turnover.

Herro had 17 points on 50% shooting, with three rebounds, three assists and three turnovers.

And Ware put up 25 points off the bench on nine of 11 attempts, with one assist, one steal, three blocks and one turnover.

The Pacers had 58 paint points, 19 on the break, 11 via second chances, 23 off turnovers and 38 from the bench.

After the game, Butler said, “I felt great. I felt like I was focused. I feel like I did my job, or at least what my job is now.

He also added, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be we’ll find out pretty soon.”

When asked if he could get his joy back with the Heat, he said “probably not.”.

Observations:

• This was Ware’s best game as a pro. He continues to look good on rim rolls and splashed a few triples.

• Coach Erik Spoelstra was so desperate he brought in Keshad Johnson, who has only logged 14 minutes this season.

  
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• This was the fourth-worst field goal percentage (53.1) and second-most points given up all season.

• The Heat’s lead lasted 62 seconds, and they trailed the rest of the way.