The Heat closed out the preseason at the Kaseya Center with its gleaming giant screen on Wednesday, playing against the Hawks in the game suspended last week due to Hurricane Milton, which they ended up winning 120-111.
The Miami team still has one last practice on Friday the 18th at the Grizzlies’s home, however after what they saw against Atlanta they could already prove that they are ready to begin the regular season, with Josh Richardson (shoulder surgery) as the only player in the infirmary.
The Heat will make their season debut on October 23 against the Orlando Magic at the Kaseya Center, where they will play the next two games after their visit to the Hornets on Saturday, October 26.
The Capital of the Sun’s quintet is an interesting bet since it did not bring any other stars and will present the same team as last season, except for Alec Burks, instead of Caleb Martin, and the arrival of two rookies center Kel’el Ware and shooting guard Pelle Larsson.
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Even so, he hopes to fight very hard against the favorites that he has ahead of him, such as the Celtics, Bucks, and Sixers, as well as the Knicks, Pacers, and Cavaliers.
So realistically, the Heat can be satisfied this season if they finish in the top five after 82 games of the regular season. The playoffs are another story and anything can happen.
Fighting for the title is a good idea, but how have Miami’s players performed in this preseason?
Let’s look specifically at this game against the Hawks where coach Erik Spoelstra gave a preview of what his rotation will be like and where each player gave a good example of what they can be.
Review of the starting five
Jimmy Butler has been Jimmy Butler with his usual good defense, and leadership, and, after a very average game during three quarters, he finished with 24 points (8 of 11), five assists, and three steals to show that this can be a great season for him.
“High level of defensive intensity and offense. He’s a super unique player on both ends with an exceptional level,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “You know, he can do both at such an elite level and Jimmy just wants to make sure you know that.”
Bam Adebayo was solid on defense, making three steals and grabbing seven rebounds, but disorganized on offense. He finished with 7 points, including a 3-pointer. He is a true titan and one of the pillars on which the team relies for this season.
Tyler Herro was fairly consistent with 19 points (7-12 and 3 triples), although he performed better in the first quarter where he collected nine points, in addition to finishing with five rebounds and four assists. The shooting guard is the team’s third mainstay and despite the fact that defense is not his thing, he just needs to stay healthy.
Terry Rozier didn’t have his night with the three-pointers and missed all three he shot. He only had six points (3-11), which is not typical for his category. His consistency is a concern, but he is still a tremendous player who can bring a lot of joy, especially because his understanding of Herro is phenomenal.
Nikola Jovic knows his role as a shadow giant, filling gaps and taking advantage of his few opportunities, so much so that with just five points, one rebound and three assists he had the best +/- with +18.
His improvement is not significant, but his work is more than praiseworthy. With 2:51 left to play and the score 22-21 in favor of the Heat, the second unit came in, ending the first quarter up 34-32 and beginning the second where they lost the lead.
The starters then came very close to tying the game and Miami went to rest with the Hawks ahead 69-66.
The second unit needs to improve
Duncan Robinson had a throwaway game with just three points (1-4 on three-pointers) which is surprising after the good preseason he was having.
Alec Burks, who undoubtedly has a lot of basketball in his hands, made good with his nine points (4-7 and a triple) and five assists. He will be a protagonist in some stretches of this season and will undoubtedly be a great reinforcement for Miami.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., although he did not shine this time, was another who delivered with his six points. Energetic and hard-working, he is a luxury replacement for Miami.
Haywood Highsmith was outstanding again with 16 points and showed that he knows how to take advantage of his minutes like no other.
Thomas Bryant in his role. He turned on and off and left with four points in eight minutes. Kevin Love played at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarter and scored two consecutive three-pointers right away, then went dark for the rest of the eight minutes he played.
In the third quarter, Miami rebelled, leaving Atlanta behind with a 13-3 run and with a partial score of 37-15 taking the lead definitively 103-84, with Butler in the zone.
With 9:42 left in the final quarter and the score in favor of the Capital del Sol quintet 105-88, the third group entered, which showed a lively game with several alley-oops, although they later saw their advantage reduced after losing the partial 27-17.
Rookie center Kel’el Ware needs to improve his body language as a paint dominator, his five points and four rebounds are too few for what he can contribute.
While it was not the night for Pelle Larsson, the other rookie, who only shot at the rim once and went scoreless, two-way players Dru Smith, Josh Christopher, and Keshad Johnson all did their part.
Smith barely played a minute (without qualifying) while Christopher reached six points and contributed energy and strength, almost the same as Johnson who completed two great dunks and four points. The best thing was not that the Heat won, but that there were no injuries.
