Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat wasted the Trail Blazers in Portland

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The Heat crushed the struggling Trail Blazers on tour as Joe Cronin sat courtside. Tyler Herro and Nikola Jović combined for 11 treys on 52.3% shooting. And the team improved to 12-0 when holding opponents to 100 points or under. 

 

Save for Haywood Highsmith, the Heat’ deep shooting was ineffective, making 10% of tries in the first quarter. Yet, each starter scored within six minutes, and Herro, Jović and Highsmith made multiple field goals. 

 

Defensively, they intercepted three passes and forced two extra turnovers. Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija gave them issues on the dribble, but by the second quarter, it was like when a fighter has already deciphered their rival’s hooks and uppercuts.

 

In frame two, Jović scored on a backdoor cut, Duncan Robinson made two 3-pointers, and Bam Adebayo gently laid in a lob. The Heat was on a 10-6 run but called the first timeout of the quarter because Adebayo took a dangerous fall after passing out of lob. Robinson intentionally fouled, and Adebayo was checked by the trainers for a moment before play resumed. 

 

Then five Heatles supplied an 18-13 run, forcing a Portland timeout as the lead grew to 15.

 

At halftime, the Heat was up 66-48. They had 22 paint points, seven on the break, six via second chances, 13 off turnovers and 21 from the bench. 

 

The Trail Blazers had 20 paint points, 12 on the break, eight via second chances, seven off turnovers and eight from the bench. 

 

Subsequently, the Heat opened the third quarter making one of seven shots because the hosts upped the defensive intensity.  The Blazers also cut the lead to within five points. The visitors followed up with 71.4% accuracy the rest of the period on baskets from four Heatles. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat up 94-83. The defense permitted Portland five of 23 makes the rest of the way. On top of that, Highsmith stole a pass and poked a ball loose, plus Robinson and Jaquez had a strip.

 

On offense, the team’s deep shooting faltered late, but it was inconsequential as they feasted in the lane. 

 

The Heat won 119-98. They had 46 paint points, 11 on the break, 13 via second chances, 20 off turnovers, and 38 from the bench. 

 

The Trail Blazers had 36 paint points, 18 on the break, 28 via second chances, 11 off turnovers and 19 from the bench.

 

After the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said Herro is “reaching a level; it’s becoming a consistency… In the moments of truth, he’s stepping up for us when we really need him.”

 

Jović said, “I gained a little bit of experience in the last few years even though I haven’t played heavy, heavy minutes. Now, especially from the bench, I really feel comfortable.” He also joked Kel’el Ware is his rook.

 

The Heat will not practice on Sunday. 

 

Takeaways: 

 

  • Adebayo is a warrior. The fall he took early in the second quarter was dangerous, and he was back playing momentarily. Perhaps it limited his abilities, but he was still sharp on defense. Additionally, he has logged four straight games with a 3-pointer. His longest streak of the season was six. 

 

  • The Heat held the Trail Blazers to 53.3% shooting in the restricted area, 12.7 percentage points below average.

 

  • Simons had 17 points in the third quarter, all on jump shots from mid and long-range. 

 

  • Jović had another strong performance, logging 21 points on 67% shooting, with eight rebounds and five helpings. It was his second game of the year scoring at least 20. He only did it three times last year. 

 

  • The Heat was up seven points with four-and-a-half minutes left but pulled away on a handoff triple and freebies from Hero and a baseline lob to Adebayo.

 

  • This was the Heat’s third straight game holding a team under 100 points.


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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Nikola Jokić and Russell Westbrook dominate with triple-doubles in the Nuggets’ win over the Nets

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The Nuggets dispatched the Nets, and Nikola Jokić, who missed the last two games with an illness, plus Russell Westbrook, logged triple-doubles. 

 

They started the night back peddling, as the Nets made their initial five attempts, going on a 13-8 run in the first few minutes. But the Nuggets ended the quarter down four points, as seven turnovers hurt them. But Jokić powered through the Nets, dropping hooks and a putback, and Westbrook added five second-chance points.

 

Then the Nuggets held the visitors to 26.9% shooting in the second quarter. Nic Claxton and Keon Johnson were the only ones to log multiple field goals. On the other side, Peyton Watson made a coast-to-coast layup and two shots off the catch and dribble; Jokić poured in two extra close-range baskets; and Westbrook had a tip-in and a layup from a backdoor cut.

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were ahead 65-59. They had 40 paint points, nine on the break, nine via second chances, 11 off turnovers and 23 from the bench.

 

The Nets had 28 paint points, 17 on the break, six via second chances, 14 off turnovers and 10 from the bench. On top of that, they made 13 of 17 free throws. 

 

Next, Julian Strawther started for Jamal Murray (knee soreness) in the third quarter.  Jokić got things rolling, nailing a trey behind a down screen and cutting in transition for a layup, plus Christian Braun made a 3-pointer, forcing a Nets stoppage two minutes in with the hosts up 12. That did nothing as the crew went on a 14-7 run, compelling another Nets timeout. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets up 94-79. The Nets cut the lead to six with six minutes left, mainly on Tosan Evbuomwan’s two 3-pointers and mid-range pull-up. But the hosts reclaimed control on a spree of Westbrook getting to the line and set-ups for Braun and Jokić. In the period, Jokić made four of five shots, and Westbrook plus Braun tallied 17 points on 71.4% accuracy. 

 

The Nuggets won 124-105. They had 68 paint points, 23 on the break, 20 via second chances, 21 off turnovers and 29 from the bench.

 

The Nets had 46 paint points, 27 on the break, nine via second chances, 19 off turnovers and 39 from the bench.

 

At the postgame presser, coach Michael Malone said Watson was the defensive player of the game. He also said his playmaking stood out. 

 

When asked about Murray’s second-half absence, Malone said, “It was just acting up… I think Jamal felt, because it was his decision, ‘I just don’t feel right, right now.’ And that’s going to happen with that knee. It’s going to act up once in a while.”

 

Jokić said he has felt better in the last couple of days, but that he was still impacted in the game. “I felt a little bit more tired.”

Regarding the triple-doubles, Jokić said, “It’s special… how the guys are willing to run the lanes to get to the corner. They know the ball is going to find them.”

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Murray, who has not played like himself for much of the season, had an uneventful first half, but he was moving well early in the game. He totaled 16 minutes. Malone sounded hopeful Murray could be available for Sunday’s game in Dallas against the Mavericks.

 

  • This was Jokić’s 15th triple-double and Westbrook’s third of the season.

 

  • Westbrook leaping into the air for a tipped pass and hitting Braun with an outlet for a fastbreak dunk was the play of the night. That was one of his four assists in the fourth quarter. 

 

  • Strawther gave a boost off the bench in the first half, scoring on the catch and dribble. Peyton Watson was sharp as well and had an excellent pass from the corner to Joker in the lane. 

 

  • The Nets were held to four of 14 makes outside the lane in the third quarter.

 

  • The Nuggets did a better job of defending without fouling in the second half, allowing the Nets one trip to the line after 17 free-throw attempts in the first.



Miami Heat’s Playoff Push: Crucial Stretch for Young Players and Future Assets

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As of January 9, 2025, the Miami Heat find themselves at a pivotal juncture in the Eastern Conference standings. With a record of 18-17, they currently occupy the 7th position, the top seed in the NBA Play-In tournament The Heat are 3 games from being out of the playoffs all together, and just 2.5 from the Eastern conferences fourth seed. There is an urgency for the Heat to secure a playoff berth, not only to maintain their competitive edge but also to safeguard their future assets.

 

The Stakes: Draft Picks and Future Flexibility

The Heat’s playoff aspirations are intricately tied to their draft pick obligations. Missing the playoffs this season would have significant repercussions, especially regarding future assets. If Miami qualifies for the postseason, they forfeit a late first-round pick in 2025 and maintain protections over their 2027 first-round pick owed to the Charlotte Hornets. However, if they miss the playoffs, the Heat owe unprotected first-round picks in 2026 and 2028—further compounding their challenges and highlighting the need for an adequate trade package in moving Jimmy Butler (No matter the result, the Heat will have two out of the four picks from 2025-2028). These obligations stem from previous trades, such as the acquisition of Terry Rozier from the Hornets and a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder that helped them acquire Jaime Jaquez Jr. If Miami doesn’t make the playoffs, they would lose out on valuable future assets, which would significantly limit their flexibility to retool or rebuild the roster in the coming years.

 

The Role of Young Talent

In light of these circumstances, the onus falls on the Heat’s emerging players to elevate their performances. Rising stars like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have shown flashes of brilliance but must now deliver consistently to propel the team forward. Herro’s scoring ability and Adebayo’s defensive versatility are crucial assets that need to be maximized. Their development and contributions will be instrumental in determining the Heat’s postseason fate.

Nikola Jovic has become a significant contributor this season, offering the Heat hope for the future. His growth as a versatile forward capable of contributing on both ends of the floor has been notable. Jovic has been a steady presence for the Heat, delivering strong performances when given extended minutes. As the Heat push for the playoffs, his continued development will be vital, especially with the absence of Jimmy Butler for stretches of the season. Jovic’s ability to stretch the floor, create for himself, and defend multiple positions makes him a promising piece for the future.

Alongside Jovic, Kel’el Ware has also made great strides for a rookie this season. While still relatively raw, Ware’s athleticism and potential as a long, dynamic defender have caught the eye of Heat fans and analysts alike. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide energy off the bench gives the Heat more depth. As Miami’s young stars continue to step up, Ware could play a critical role in stabilizing the team’s defense and providing a spark when needed. These young players must become key contributors if the Heat are to succeed in the tough landscape of the Eastern Conference.

Don’t forget Jaime Jaquez Jr. Who has been very solid for the Heat in Butler’s absence and is still a young building block for Miami’s future.

 

Jimmy Butler’s Situation: Suspension and Trade Speculations

Complicating matters is the situation surrounding Jimmy Butler. The 35-year-old star was recently suspended for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team after making public comments expressing his desire to leave the Heat. This suspension has cast a shadow over the team’s dynamics and has intensified trade rumors.

The Heat’s management has been in a delicate position regarding Butler. Notably, the team did not want to address the issue during their current road trip, opting to focus on basketball in the short term. However, as trade talks continue to swirl, the Heat must evaluate whether to deal him now or risk losing him for nothing in the offseason when he becomes a free agent. Butler holds a player option for the 2025-26 season, which he is expected to decline if he isn’t traded, further complicating matters.

While Butler’s on-court production remains critical for Miami, his future with the team hangs in the balance. Should the Heat move forward without him, the organization will have to make adjustments to its roster and leadership dynamics. The looming question remains whether Butler will stay through the season and play, get traded, or continue to be a disruptive presence in the locker room leading to further suspension.

 

Looking Ahead: The Denver Nuggets Game and Butler’s Return

It is anticipated that Jimmy Butler could return to the lineup as early as next week for the game against the Denver Nuggets. The Heat have been treading water without him, and his return would provide a much-needed boost. Butler’s scoring, leadership, and defensive prowess would offer Miami a better shot at securing a playoff spot.

However, the Heat’s front office is in a difficult situation regarding his long-term future. Miami has chosen to keep their options open for now, as they attempt to handle the uncertainty surrounding Butler’s behavior. His return could help boost the Heat’s playoff push, but it may also create friction if Butler’s commitment to the team remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The Miami Heat’s current position in the Eastern Conference necessitates a strategic approach to both player development and roster management. Securing a playoff spot is imperative to protect valuable draft picks and maintain the team’s competitive trajectory. The performance of young talents like Herro, Adebayo, Jovic, Jaquez, and Ware will be pivotal in this endeavor. Simultaneously, the organization must address the Jimmy Butler situation thoughtfully, balancing the immediate need for his contributions with the long-term implications of his potential departure.

As the Heat navigate the rest of the season, the coming weeks will be crucial. Butler’s return could spark a shift in momentum, but his future remains uncertain. Regardless, the Heat must find a way to make the playoffs to avoid a potential loss of future assets while continuing to develop their young stars.

 

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat escaped Utah with a close win and got payback for the slaughter on Jan. 4

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The Heat got payback at the Delta Center for the massacre suffered on Jan. 4. Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. lit up the perimeter with seven of 14 3-pointers.  And it was a low-scoring affair that featured 12 ties and 10 lead changes.

 

This was Jimmy Butler’s fourth game suspended of seven for conduct detrimental to the team.

 

“When I drive in the paint, and I draw two, it makes it really easy to spray out to shooters,” Jaquez said in the locker room after the game. 

 

The offense started in the mud, making six of 22 shots. Nikola Jović was the lone Heatle to log multiple field goals in the first quarter on a trey and putback. But more problematically, they had allowed Lauri Markkanen to make two 3-pointers and score on a rim roll, plus let Collin Sexton rattle off four of five shots. 

 

The second quarter started with the Heat down 27-20. Subsequently, the defense shut down the Jazz to 14 points on 20% shooting. On top of that, Herro made two layups and a 3-pointer. 

 

At halftime, the Heat led 46-41. They had 12 paint points, nine on the break, four via second chances and nine off turnovers. 

 

The Jazz had 16 paint points, seven on the break, five via second chances and 12 off turnovers. 

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Then the Heat started the third quarter on a 10-4 run, forcing a Jazz timeout. When play continued, Markkanen responded with three treys, and Sexton plus Isaiah Collier dribbled into the lane for layups. And the Heat’s offense stalled, making five of 20 shots for the remaining eight minutes of the frame.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat down 70-68. Despite shooting 33.3% from deep in the period, they took control because they were the first to loose balls and held the Jazz to one of eight 3-pointers. Furthermore, Herro plus Terry Rozier made five baskets from long and close range, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored six points.

 

The Heat won 97-92. They had 34 paint points, 17 on the break, 16 via second chances and 15 off turnovers.

 

The Jazz had 42 paint points, seven on the break, 11 via second chances and 18 off turnovers. 

 

After the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said it was “ugly, not a shootout.” He also said Adebayo made big plays down the stretch.

 

The Heat will not practice on Friday.

 

Observations:

 

  • In spite of an inaccurate night for Jović, he still was impactful as a distributor, racking up five assists and one turnover. 

 

  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. had his best game of the season. He was a threat on the break and made three of four 3-pointers, including the dagger to put the Heat ahead by five with a minute left. Additionally, he had seven dimes, his second-highest assist total of the season. After the game, Spoelstra said JJJ was good defensively against the Jazz and his performances have contributed to wins. He also had 20 points on seven of 11 shots with seven rebounds, two steals and three turnovers.

 

  • Kel’el Ware gave good minutes off the bench. He made four of five shots via rim rolls and a putback in transition. He also denied Markkanen as the drop defender in pick and roll and as a helping low man. 

 

  • When the game was tied at 86 with three minutes left, Adebayo made a mid-range jumper and an eight-foot floater to take the lead.

 

  • The Heat’s offense operated in the half-court 78.2% of the time. They scored 91.9 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 34th percentile of the stat, per Cleaning the Glass.


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Nikola Jovic: The Heat’s Emerging Star

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As the Miami Heat push through the 2024-2025 NBA season, 21-year-old forward Nikola Jović has emerged as one of the team’s brightest young talents. With a rare combination of size, skill, and versatility, the 6-foot-10 playmaker is finally getting the chance to showcase his immense potential. His recent performances have sparked excitement among fans and solidified his role as a key piece of the Heat’s future.

2024-2025 Season Snapshot

Through January 2025, Jović has appeared in 25 games, averaging 21.5 minutes per contest. His season averages include:

  • Points: 9.5
  • Rebounds: 3.6
  • Assists: 2.0
  • Steals: 0.9
  • Blocks: 0.2
  • Field Goal Percentage: 45.1%
  • Three-Point Percentage: 36.3%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 83.1%

While these numbers are solid, Jović’s impact becomes even more evident when he plays extended minutes.

Impact in Extended Minutes (2024-2025)

The Heat hold a 6-1 record in games where Jović plays 30 or more minutes this season. In those contests, he has averaged:

  • Points: 14.1
  • Rebounds: 5.3
  • Assists: 4.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: 50%
  • Three-Point Percentage: 43%

These statistics, recorded through January 8, 2025, underline his ability to contribute at a high level when given a larger role. Jović plays more freely and confidently in these situations, showcasing his ability to elevate those around him by creating open looks for teammates and keeping defenses honest with his shooting.

Key Performances in 2024-2025

  • January 7, 2025, vs. Golden State Warriors: Jović came off the bench and delivered a standout performance with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes (+25). He shot 8-of-17 from the field and connected on two three-pointers in the Heat’s 114-98 win.
  • December 12, 2024, vs. Toronto Raptors: In this pivotal matchup, Jović scored 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. He added four rebounds and registered a game-high plus-minus of +25, underscoring his ability to impact the game across multiple areas.

Development on Both Ends of the Court

Jović has taken significant steps defensively as well, he can still improve on the boards, but he will get even better with time. Jovic has a defensive rating of 111.9, among the top half of the league, third on the Heat behind Jaime Jaquez and Bam Adebayo. Bam and Jovic have been a great pairing defensively and all of Heat nation should be excited about their growth.

On the offensive end, Jović’s ability to serve as a secondary ball-handler has unlocked new dimensions for the Heat. Whether initiating fast breaks, setting up shooters, or finding cutters in half-court sets, Jović’s vision and decision-making have been vital. His effective field goal percentage of 54.1% and true shooting percentage of 59.1% highlight his scoring efficiency.

A Bright Future for Jović

At just 21 years old, Nikola Jović is proving he has the tools to become a star in the NBA. His ability to play multiple positions, stretch the floor, and facilitate offense makes him a unique weapon for the Heat. More importantly, his growth in confidence and comfort on the court this season has been palpable.

For the Miami Heat, the message is clear: Jović thrives when trusted with a larger role. The team’s stellar record in games where he logs 30 or more minutes demonstrates the value of giving him consistent opportunities.

Spoelstra Must Lean In

Head coach Erik Spoelstra has a reputation for developing young talent, and Jović should be no exception. While the Heat’s stars like Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler? Remain the focal points, integrating Jović more prominently into the rotation can provide long-term benefits.

With his blend of skill, versatility, and poise, Jović has the potential to be a game-changer. Spoelstra must capitalize on this, ensuring Jović plays meaningful minutes as the Heat aim to make noise in the 2024-2025 season and beyond.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Nuggets blew the game late to the Celtics

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The MVP-less Nuggets hung around until crunch time, but their offensive drought and Boston’s long-range shooting overwhelmed them. The game featured eight ties and 10 lead changes. 

 

Nikola Jokić (illness) and Aaron Gordon (calf strain) were absent for the Nuggets. Derrick White (illness) didn’t play for the Celtics. 

 

“We didn’t score…the margin of error against that team without your starting four (Aaron Gordon) and starting five (Jokić) is nonexistent,” coach Michael Malone said after the game.

 

Early, Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr.’s jumpers were on target. But Kristaps Porziņģis and Jayson Tatum outscored the hosts by themselves on baskets from short, mid and long range. The Celtics led 37-25 at the end of the first quarter. 

 

Then the Nuggets were down 15 a nearly two minutes later. Malone called a stoppage, and when play resumed, the hosts took control. The defense allowed Boston five of 16 baskets the rest of the period. Murray had a flurry of eight consecutive points on pull-up jumpers and drive-by to the cup. Westbrook added a putback and fastbreak layup, too. 

 

The game was tied at 57 at halftime. The Nuggets had 18 paint points, seven on the break, five via second chances, four off turnovers and 21 from the bench. Notably, the Nuggets took two more attempts from deep than Boston, the no. 1 team in 3-point volume and were shooting 18.7% higher.

 

The Celtics had 30 paint points, nine on the break, 10 via second chances, 16 off turnovers and 16 from the bench. 

 

Next, Jaylen Brown was unguardable on the dribble in the third quarter, so the Nuggets resorted to a zone defense. He made all four attempts within five feet of the cup. And Tatum eluded defenders with his handle and got loose on the break, making three shots in the restricted area and canned a trey. 

 

Westbrook and Christian Braun countered with three of five triples, but the rest of the squad made none in the third quarter. Porter got two scores in the lane and Julian Strawther added four points.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets down 88-83. Four of six baskets from Murray, Braun and Strawther tied the game. Yet, Boston responded by preventing the Nuggets from scoring on their next eight shots in three minutes. Additionally, Porziņģis logged a putback dunk, Jrue Holiday and Al Hordord dropped treys, Brown made a layup and Tatum nailed the pull-up jumper from 11-feet away over Peyton Watson to put the game out of reach.

 

The Nuggets lost 118-106. The Celtics outscored the Nuggets in three key areas: paint points 60-46, second chance points 22-11 and fastbreak points 17-11.

 

“We just beat ourselves too often tonight, and against the defending champs, it’s hard to overcome that,” Malone said. 

 

When asked where the game slipped away, Murray said it was the rebounding. 

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Murray only made 20% of his 3-point attempts, but he was able to get to his spots inside the lane and at mid-range. Although the team needed a second-half encore he didn’t deliver on after 15 points before intermission. He had 19 points on eight of 17 attempts, with four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a turnover. 

 

  • Westbrook’s attention to detail was too low, as he had eight turnovers. The last two pulled the team’s life support plug as the score was getting away from them, and they badly needed threes to fall. Still, he was their most productive offensive player, finishing with 26 points on 50% shooting, with nine rebounds, six assists, one steal and a block.

 

  • The center rotation gave them nothing on offense. Šarić played only 16 minutes and was scoreless. DeAndre Jordan scored one point. And Zeke Nnaji was scoreless in nearly five minutes, too.

 

  • The Nuggets were terrible in transition, scoring at a rate of 91.7 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 17 percentile of the stat in all games this season, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

The Dolphins’ Press Conference Was a Masterclass in Excuses and Evasion

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Accountability is a rare commodity in the NFL, and in Miami, it seems to be running especially low. In the Dolphins’ season-ending press conference, General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel provided a display that can only be described as an elaborate exercise in finger-pointing, excuse-making, and reality distortion.

This wasn’t your typical postmortem. It was a finely tuned symphony of contradictions, where injuries were simultaneously the cause of every problem and an inevitable aspect of football not worth worrying about in roster construction. It was a surreal performance that left the audience questioning not just the decisions made this season, but the decision-makers themselves.

 

The Blame Game Begins

When Grier was asked about the team’s shortcomings since their much-publicized salary cap reset, he pointed to the usual suspect: injuries. Specifically, he highlighted Tua Tagovailoa’s six-and-a-half missed games as “the difference.” But almost in the same breath, Grier claimed injuries weren’t an excuse. This verbal gymnastics act—a quick pivot from blame to platitude and back again—was emblematic of the entire presser.

Adding insult to injury (pun intended), Grier dismissed the idea of proactively accounting for injuries in roster building with a flippant comment: “The injury rate in football is 100 percent.” If that’s the case, why does the Dolphins’ depth chart resemble a patchwork quilt held together by hope and duct tape every December?

 

Offensive Line or Offensive Excuses?

The Dolphins’ offensive line—a perennial weak spot—was a hot topic, and Grier wasted no time joking about how long it took for someone to bring it up. But humor quickly gave way to deflection. Injuries, once again, took center stage, as Grier rationalized the line’s underperformance.

What he didn’t acknowledge was that much of this mess was foreseeable. Terron Armstead, while an elite talent, has averaged only 11 games a season over his career. Kendall Lamm was coaxed out of semi-retirement to provide depth, and Isaiah Wynn’s injury history was well-documented. Even Austin Jackson, who has struggled to stay on the field, was somehow expected to anchor this group. This isn’t bad luck—it’s bad planning.

Grier’s excuses also had a quantum quality: he both addressed and ignored the offensive line in the offseason, justified his inaction because the offense was statistically strong in 2023, and promised to invest in the line moving forward.

 

The Backup Quarterback Saga

The backup quarterback position was another area where the excuses flowed freely. Grier insisted the team was justified in rolling with Skylar Thompson, who won the backup job in camp, while also claiming the Dolphins were aggressively pursuing “top-flight” backups but missed out due to financial constraints and compensatory pick considerations.

So which was it? Did they believe in Thompson, or did they know they needed a better option but failed to secure one? The contradictions piled up, leaving fans and media scratching their heads.

 

McDaniel’s Discipline Dilemma

McDaniel didn’t escape scrutiny either. While he spoke earnestly about improving as a disciplinarian, his words felt undermined by Grier’s suggestion that players need to police themselves. McDaniel’s admission that fines haven’t been enough to curb tardiness felt hollow, particularly when coupled with sarcastic asides about how those same fines worked “on every other team.”

It’s hard to reconcile this with McDaniel’s other statements about the importance of culture. Leadership requires consistency, and in this case, the message seemed muddled at best.

 

The Accountability Void

At the heart of this press conference was a glaring absence of true accountability. Mistakes were acknowledged in one breath and excused in the next. Injuries were blamed, but roster construction wasn’t at fault. Play-calling was criticized, but McDaniel insisted he was the “best person” to handle it.

And while Grier paid lip service to the idea of end-of-year evaluations, his casual mention of reviewing the medical, strength, and video departments felt like a veiled attempt to spread blame further down the organizational ladder.

 

A Franchise in Survival Mode

What Dolphins fans wanted—and deserved—was a candid assessment of what went wrong and how it will be fixed. What they got was a clinic in deflection. Grier and McDaniel may be adept at surviving press conferences, but survival isn’t the goal. Playoff wins are.

Until the Dolphins’ leadership shows a willingness to take real accountability and make meaningful changes, it’s hard to imagine this franchise breaking free from its cycle of mediocrity. For now, it seems, the Dolphins are more concerned with dodging blame than delivering results.

 

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Why Can’t the Miami Heat Close Out Games?

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The Miami Heat’s Closing Problems: A Closer Look at the Late-Game Collapses

The Miami Heat’s inability to close out games this season has become a glaring issue, as seen in their most recent collapse against the Sacramento Kings. Playing without Jimmy Butler, who missed the game due to ongoing recovery from a minor injury, the Heat squandered a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. This marks another instance in a troubling pattern for a team that prides itself on resilience and discipline.

Major Collapses This Season:

  • 17-point lead lost to the Kings (Jan. 6, 2025, without Butler.)
  • 13-point lead lost to the Knicks (Oct. 30th, 2024)
  • 15-point lead lost to the Suns (Nov. 6th, 2024)
  • 22-point lead lost to the Magic (Dec. 27, 2024, without Butler.)
  • 15-point lead lost to the Kings (Nov. 4th, 2024)
  • Overtime Blunder Vs the Pistons (Nov. 12th, 2024, Late inbounding play allowed, illegal timeout by Spoelstra.)
  • 8-point overtime lead after large comeback vs the Pistons (Dec. 16th, 2024,)

Despite being led by the widely respected Erik Spoelstra, these late-game meltdowns highlight critical issues, from tactical flaws to player execution under pressure.

Defensive Rebounding Woes

One of the most glaring issues for the Heat is their inability to secure defensive rebounds. Ranking 21st in opponent offensive rebounds per game (11.4), they’ve allowed too many second-chance opportunities. The Kings exploited this weakness by grabbing 18 offensive rebounds, resulting in 23 second-chance points.

This vulnerability stems from Spoelstra’s reliance on small lineups. While these rotations offer offensive versatility, they often lack the size to contend with teams boasting strong rebounders. Without Jimmy Butler’s presence, the Heat have leaned even more heavily on undersized lineups, highlighting the problem.

Clutch Stats: A Disappointing Reality for Key Players

The Heat have played the sixth-most clutch games this season but have struggled mightily, posting a 7-12 record in such scenarios. While role players share some responsibility, the spotlight falls on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, who have not delivered consistently in the clutch.

Tyler Herro

  • Shooting 30.0% in clutch moments, a notable drop from his 45.3% season average.
  • Often struggles to create separation or convert tough shots when defenses tighten late.
  • As the team’s leading scorer (23.9 PPG), his inability to maintain efficiency in critical moments has hurt the team.

Bam Adebayo

  • Adebayo’s clutch performance is equally concerning. His free-throw percentage drops to 45.5% in clutch situations, down from his season average of 72.7%.
  • Offensively, he attempts fewer than two shots per game in the clutch, despite opportunities to exploit mismatches.
  • For a player of his caliber, fading offensively in high-pressure moments is unacceptable.

Rotational Criticism of Erik Spoelstra

Even a coach as accomplished as Erik Spoelstra is not immune to scrutiny. Several of his rotational decisions have raised questions this season, especially late in games.

Small Lineups on Defense

Against the Magic, Spoelstra’s small-ball approach allowed Orlando to dominate the boards. Similar issues arose against the Kings, where a lack of size led to repeated second-chance points. Miami needs to get back to the fundamentals of boxing out and grabbing boards as they rank 22nd with 43.2 rebounds per game.

Inconsistent Usage of Shooters

Haywood Highsmith has been shooting 42.7% from three, yet Spoelstra has frequently benched him in crunch time in favor of others. This has limited the Heat’s spacing and offensive options in critical moments.

What Needs to Change?

Bam Adebayo Must Dominate Late

Adebayo needs to assert himself offensively throughout the whole game but especially in clutch moments. Whether it’s exploiting mismatches or facilitating from the post, his presence must be felt late in games, especially as a captain of this team.

Herro’s Efficiency Must Improve

Herro has been a bright spot for Miami this season, but Herro must focus on smarter shot selection in crunch time. Attacking the rim more often and drawing fouls could improve his clutch scoring efficiency.

Commitment to Defensive Rebounding

Rotations featuring Haywood Highsmith or Kelel Ware alongside Adebayo could provide additional size and physicality without compromising mobility and spacing.

Smarter Rotations by Spoelstra

Spoelstra must adapt by prioritizing winning the boards, Miami is 9-0 in games where they win the rebounding battle. It is essential for Miami to control the game on the boards. The young players must get physical down low and learn to rebound, but Erik Spoelstra has to provide the opportunity for growth.

Spoelstra on Rotations: “We’re trying to find the right balance, but we’ve got to do better closing out games.”

Final Thoughts

The Miami Heat have the talent and coaching expertise to contend, but their inability to close out games is their Achilles’ heel. For players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, stepping up in clutch moments isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. If these issues persist, the Heat risk squandering yet another season. This Heat team isn’t the best, but plenty of games have been left out on the court compromising their record and exploiting many of their issues.

 

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat blew a late lead and lost in double overtime in Sacramento

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As the Heat let go of a double overtime game in Sacramento, Bam Adebayo had another off night, looking unlike a max player, and Tyler Herro made critical mistakes. They had also led by 17 points in the fourth quarter and got outrebounded by seven, which allowed the hosts to take six extra shots in a close game, making two. 

 

It was Adebayo’s 14th game of the year, logging below 40% of his attempts. It’s harder to ignore his performance when Domantas Sabonis, who didn’t shoot well, put up 21 points with 18 rebounds and 11 offerings. 

 

Sacramento cut the Heat’s lead to nine with seven minutes left of the fourth. Adebayo checked in, missing an off-balance jumper and a tightly guarded 3-pointer. He ended the second half missing all five shots but made three of six across both extra periods.

 

Herro was bothered by multiple defenders, even failing to get the ball past half-court in time with 84 seconds left in the fourth quarter. And he missed Haywood Highsmith in the corner for the last shot of regulation, instead taking a difficult mid-range pull-up. 

 

Sabonis scored on Adebayo at close range and made a pick-and-pop triple in extra time. And DeMar DeRozan made all four shots in the second overtime. 

 

After the game, Adebayo lamented Sacramento’s prowess on the offensive glass. “That was the deciding factor in the game. [If] we cut off half of their offensive rebounds, second chance points, we win the game by double digits.”

 

Herro said the Kings ramped up the pressure in the fourth quarter. He also said DeRozan is a “great scorer, veteran. He’s been in a lot of close games, at the end where he’s had to finish, and he made a couple of tough shots.”

 

Takeaways:

 

  • The team can’t depend on Jimmy Butler anymore, so Adebayo needs to snap out of his funk now. Ever since Brandon Anderson of the Action Network doubted his offensive game before the season, it’s become worse than a self-fulfilling prophecy. When he gets his confidence back, he’ll return to being one of the league’s best paint scorers.

 

  • This was the third-worst 3-point shooting night of the season, making 26.2%. Sacramento‘s pressure was sharp, and they had an excellent defensive rating for the night, 101.7.

 

  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. missed two free throws at the end of the first overtime, which could have extended the lead to three points. Keon Ellis scored one point on the next possession at the line to force the second over time. Adebayo fouled him because he bit on his pump fake.



Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Strahinja Jokić pleads not guilty in third-degree assault case

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Strahinja Jokić, the older brother of the Denver Nuggets center, has pled not guilty to the third-degree assault charge that stems from allegedly punching a fan at Ball Arena during a game against the Lakers in April 2024. 

 

A video of the incident, showing S. Jokić striking another person, can be seen here. The victim had a concussion, bruising, and lacerations.

 

S. Jokić’s pre-trial conference is set for April 18. His jury trial is set for April 24. If convicted, he is facing a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 364 days. The case was reassigned to from courtroom 3F to 3B.

S. Jokić was previously in legal trouble in Denver in 2019. Then, he was charged with assault in the second degree for strangling Maria Jokić and accused of false imprisonment plus obstructing a telephone or telegraph service. He later accepted a guilty plea for obstructing a phone service and trespassing in a deferred prosecution arrangement, eliminating the charges. The trespassing charge was removed in 2022.