Heat vs. Wizards Takeaways: Terry Rozier Pulls Miami To Double-Digit Win

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 1, 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2); Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat (41-33) came off their historic victory by taking down the Washington Wizards (14-61) on Sunday evening, 119-107.

Here's a look at five major takeaways:

1. Terry Rozier pulled the Heat to a double-digit win.

Rozier's place in the lineup is coming to full fruition at the perfect time. He had one of his top performances in a Heat uniform with eight games left in the regular season. The former Charlotte Hornet recorded 27 points, four rebounds, and four steals on 11 of 19 shooting. It remains a mystery how Rozier will mesh with eventual backcourt partner Tyler Herro, but coach Erik Spoelstra will find a way to make it work.

2. Bam Adebayo continued to prove his worth as the No. 1 option.

Adebayo remains the one constant in the Heat's rotation in a year filled with injuries for Herro and Jimmy Butler. His consistency is admirable, likely making a major impact in practice and the locker room. The three-time All-Star finished the night with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on 50 percent shooting. Not to mention, his confidence from three-point range is continuing to progress despite shooting 0 of 2 in Sunday.

3. Haywood Highsmith's reign of dominance came to an end.

Highsmith struggled to thrive on the offensive end following a phenomenal three-game stretch, where he averaged 17.6 points on impressive efficiency. He tallied 10 points on 4 of 12 shooting in nearly 30 minutes of action, but provided his usual elite defense.

4. Duncan Robinson's return from injury was underwhelming at best.

Robinson missed five games due to left facet syndrome but was made available for the game against Washington. He was thrust back into the starting lineup, replacing veteran guard Patty Mills. However, his missed time showed in his return, as he scored six points on 2 of 7 shooting from the arc.

5. Nikola Jovic connected the team on both ends of the floor.

The Serbian forward is one of the connecting pieces who helps the Heat operate in full effect. This ability was on display, as Jovic concluded the evening with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on 44.4 percent shooting. His vision on the offense and consistent energy on the defense are key factors as the postseason approaches.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com