Mateo Mayorga

Mateo Mayorga

Joined: Sep 9, 2025

Mateo has covered the Miami Heat and the NBA since 2020, including the 2020 Finals through Zoom and the 2023 Finals in person. He also writes for Five Reasons Sports Network about the WNBA and boxing, and can be read at SB Nation’s Pounding the Rock for coverage on the San Antonio Spurs. Twitter: @MateoMayorga23

Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on from the bench while recovering from an injury in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; A general view of the new Dwyane Wade statue in front of the Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Nov 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Nov 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra watches from the sideline against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Kel’el Ware had some rough moments, but he had made amends by turning into Superman lite and hasn’t had below 14 rebounds in the last five outings.

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Missing Bam Adebayo's communication was a big reason why the schemes couldn’t hold up recently. He's all-time elite for Miami.

Oct 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) on the court during a timeout against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Kevin Love said his family "laid roots in Miami" and that it stung to be included in a trade.

Nov 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (9) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Perhaps the best compliment Larsson can get is that coach Erik Spoelstra is comfortable using him as one of his five late in the game.

Bam Adebayo at practice

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The Miami Heat captain appears closer to a return

Nov 3, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra at press conference at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Miami Heat are much better than advertised. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will eventually be back, which makes one wonder: Could voters take notice?

Oct 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) looks on against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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The Clippers did Norman Powell a favor by sending him to a place in Miami where he is wanted and a tax haven.

Oct 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) scores against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jaime Jaquez Jr. wasn't expected to do any of this for the Miami Heat this season.

Oct 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra signals from the sideline against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Erik Spoelstra shared his thoughts prior to facing Wemby and the undefeated Spurs with the streaking Miami Heat

Apr 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts in the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Spoelstra should be able to win with a USA team like the 2023 World Cup roster if the top guys wish to wait until the Olympics.

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'El Ware (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Caleb Houstan (33) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Signs to point to Ware coming off the bench, which will be an important role for the team.

Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Adebayo is already a more popular figure among WNBA fans than the commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, who was mercilessly booed by the audience.