Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo made the Lakers quit

The Heatles beat down the Purple and Mold in their most lopsided win of the season.  Bam Adebayo outdueled Anthony Davis. And Tyler Herro went on another rampage.

The Heat’s protections forced four turnovers and blew up three attempts by AD in the lane.  But the ancient LeBron James got anything he wanted, such as attacking the paint in the half-court and on the break.

On the other side, Adebayo looked like his old self, breaking into the lane for a powerful jam and swishing a mid-range pick-and-pop jumper. Additionally, Haywood Highsmith poured in two treys, and the team outran the Lakers’ transition defense for nine digits.

Through 12 minutes, the Heat logged its highest-scoring first quarter of the season with 34 points and conceded 26.

Then James spun away from the nail while covered by Terry Rozier and slammed a one-handed jam before Adebayo could come to help. He added two extra baskets before halftime, and the rest of the Lakers put up seven of 17 shots. But the hosts responded with 14 of 20 field goals, mostly from Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro.

At halftime, the Heat were ahead 69-52. The team had 30 paint points, 15 on the break, 11 via second chances, 11 off turnovers and 13 from the bench.

The Lakers had 30 paint points, 14 on the break, seven via second chances, 16 off turnovers and nine from the bench.

Next, the Lakers’ offense was shut down to 39% shooting.

For the Heat, Herro crushed the Lakers with seven of eight 3-pointers. Butler scored in the open court and on a baseline cut. And the rest of the team made five of 12 baskets, giving the crew a 33-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was a formality. James played three inconsequential minutes to add to his stats.

The Heat won 134-93. The team had 52 paint points, 24 on the break, 18 via second chances, 18 off turnovers and 51 from the bench.

Herro logged 31 points on 11 of 19 attempts, with five rebounds, four assists, one steal and four giveaways.

Butler put up 17 points on 66.7% shooting, with nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and one turnover.

And Adebayo had 14 points on six of eight attempts, with 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block and two turnovers.

The Lakers had 56 paint points, 22 on the break, 15 via second chances, 22 off turnovers and 28 from the bench.

Observations: 

1. Before the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said James could play until he’s age 50. In a smaller capacity, of course James could, but it’s unlikely his ego will settle for him being the third weapon out of the holster.

 2. Haywood Highsmith had 14 points on five of seven shots. He was one of the team’s top players in the first half, hitting four catch-and-shoot treys and intercepting one of James’ passes.

3. The Heat totaled 42 assists, a new season high. The previous best was 33 helpings, set on Oct. 26 against the Charlotte Hornets (W) and Nov. 8 versus the Denver Nuggets (L).

4. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he and his team were embarrassed at the post-game presser. “It’s not a game where I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism.”

5. James was pissed in the locker room after the game. He said, “If you don’t wanna come to compete, that’s other issues.”