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Erik Spoelstra Says Miami Heat Could Have Used More Haywood Highsmith Energy Throughout The Roster

Reserve Haywood Highsmith was one of the few bright spots in the Miami Heat's Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Not much went right for the Miami Heat in Thursday's loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. 

Among the bright spots was the play of reserve Haywood Highsmith, who had 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting in his first Finals game. 

Yeah, that's what we need from everybody, regardless of when you come into the game, how many minutes you're getting, those inspiring minutes," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Highsmith. "And that's what our team is about, having a roster of guys that just come out there and you're making great efforts, you're impacting the game and then it inspires the next guy to do it."

Highsmith's play was hardly enough to overcome poor games by Jimmy Butler, Max Strus and Caleb Martin. The Heat were outplayed in just about every facet. This is the first time they have trailed in a series this postseason. 

 Yeah, we've been through this before," Spoelstra said. "We can find different ways and different solutions to get a win."

The Heat are off today but return to practice Saturday. Game 2 is Sunday at Ball Arena. 

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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