Heat vs. Nets Takeaways: Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro Rally Heat To Overtime Victory
The Miami Heat managed to walk away with a victory in overtime on Monday evening against the Brooklyn Nets, 96-95.
Here's a look at five major takeaways:
1. Jimmy Butler was a bright spot in a night filled with disaster.
The Heat battled back to secure the win after a 31-point first half. This comeback would have been impossible without the efforts of Butler. He finished the night with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 66.7 percent shooting. The All-Star forward missed the mid-range shot to seal the game in regulation but assisted two crucial free throws in overtime. This outing made it obvious the Heat have much to work on before their next contest.
2. Tyler Herro fought through adversity, resulting in an impressive outing.
Herro is criticized for inconsistencies which appeared to continue in the opening two quarters. However, the former Sixth Man of the Year pushed through the struggles to help seal the game for Miami. He recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds on 11 of 22 shooting. His star-studded second half included two key mid-range floaters within the final minute of play in regulation.
3. Shooting was a glaring issue for both teams.
The 96-95 outcome made this game the first overtime matchup in roughly five years in which neither team scored 100 points. The Nets and Heat shot a combined 20 of 86 from beyond the arc. Not to mention, Miami started the game 0 of 11 from three-point range, while Brooklyn began 4 of 21.
4. Multiple key contributors were quiet on the offensive end for Miami.
Josh Richardson, Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson were called upon to step up in the absence of Kevin Love and Jaime Jaquez Jr. They couldn't deliver. The group scored a combined 20 points on 7 of 30 shooting. It's clear Miami will need Jaquez and Love to find success in the postseason.
5. Bam Adebayo found ways to contribute in the midst of inefficient shooting.
It was a disappointing night on the offensive end for the two-time All-Star. Adebayo was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, but struggled in tonight's contest. He scored 11 points on 5 of 17 shooting. However, he dominated in the paint by recording 20 rebounds.
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
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