Miami Heat-Detroit Pistons Takeaways: Bam Adebayo Nails Walk-Off Three-Pointer

A look at five major takeaways from the Miami Heat's Sunday afternoon win over the Detroit Pistons

Author:
Anthony Pasciolla
Mar 17, 2024 5:22 PM EDT

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The Miami Heat found themselves in a one-possession game with less than 10 seconds left but came out victorious against the Detroit Pistons, 104-101.

Here are five of the biggest takeaways:

1. Bam Adebayo nailed the game-winning three-pointer in a dominant outing.

Adebayo's streak of games with a made three-pointer continues as the three-time All-Star big man drained the walk-off shot from the top of the key. The shot came as guard Terry Rozier kicked out the ball with less than three seconds left. He finished the afternoon matchup with 20 points and 16 rebounds on 69.2 percent shooting. Once Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro return from injury, this performance from Adebayo is a perfect fit in their system.

2. Duncan Robinson shined on a record-setting day.

Becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 career three-pointers is no small feat, but Robinson wasn't satisfied. He led the team in scoring with 30 points (season-high) along with five assists and four rebounds on 10 of 15 shooting. Much of his triumph came in the first half, where he tallied 21 points.

3. Terry Rozier impressed in an array of ways on his birthday.

It's safe to say acquiring Rozier was the Heat's best move of the deadline, especially with Herro sidelined. On his 30th birthday, Rozier recorded 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds on 40 percent shooting. With a large gap since his last playoff appearance, Heat fans can only hope that the former Charlotte Hornet guard will adjust quickly to the environment.

4. The Heat need health to succeed in the postseason.

Beating the No. 14-seed Pistons by a single-digit margin is a mediocre result at best. Forward Jimmy Butler is a reliable No. 1 option in the playoffs, but Herro's injuries are worrying. He missed multiple long stretches of games this season with numerous different problems. Not to mention, an aging Kevin Love may continue dealing with injuries into the postseason.

5. Delon Wright proved why his minutes are more valuable than Patty Mills'.

After a stretch of healthy scratches, Wright found minutes due to multiple key absences. He took advantage of the opportunity with six points, three rebounds, and two steals on 42.9 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Mills scored a single point in his limited time on the floor. Although Mills provides additional spacing with Herro sidelined, Wright's balanced play style deserves the time.