Fatigue Or Not, Cody Zeller Ready To Contribute When Necessary
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Miami Heat center Cody Zeller had a career game in Saturday's win against the Dallas Mavericks.
But after his most extensive action in two years, Zeller was paying for it. He started for the first time since May 15, 2021, replacing the injured Bam Adebayo.
Zeller finished with 20 points in 29 minutes.
"I was exhausted," Zeller said. "Every time Kevin (Love) was at the scorer's table, I was excited to come out. I try to leave it all on the court."
Zeller had his first 20-point game since Nov. 19 against the Philadelphia 76ers (24 points). It was also his first start with the Heat.
"I just try to do whatever the team needs,” he continued. “Whether it's 10 or 12 minutes to give Bam a rest or tonight to start. It was a lot of minutes for me compared to the shape I'm in."
There’s no timetable for when Adebayo, so Zeller could have another long night in Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons.
"I just try to do whatever the team needs,” Zeller said. “Whether it's 10 or 12 minutes to give Bam a rest or tonight to start. It was a lot of minutes for me compared to the shape I'm in."
The Heat need another win to keep pace with the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 6 in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.
