Jacari McRae | February 4th, 2020
Unlike the previous matchup, this game was wrapped up after three quarters. After leading the Philadelphia 76ers by four at the half, the Miami Heat scored 41 points in the third period to take a 20-point lead into the fourth. And Miami never looked back finishing the game with a 137-106 victory. Miami now improves their season record to 34-15.
Here are my thoughts on Monday’s game against the 76ers.
Jimmy’s Night
As was the case in Saturday’s win in Orlando, Jimmy Butler opened the game in attack mode. Butler kept bullying his way to paint for easy buckets. He was up to 23 points at halftime. Butler also hit a couple of jumpers, including two three-pointers. The last time Jimmy converted on a three-pointer was January 17.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNn7jIHRhN0]
Butler finished the game with 38 points on 14 of 20 shooting in 29 minutes of action.
Down Two
The only bad part about tonight’s victories was the injuries. Meyers Leonard went down midway through the third quarter due to a sprained left ankle. He went to the locker room and never returned. He ended the night with three points and five rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
Miami was also without Tyler Herro for the second half, due to a sore right foot. The rookie guard closed 1 of 6 from the field with 10 points and one assist. Hopefully, Leonard and Herro will be ready in time for Wednesday’s contest vs the Los Angeles Clippers.
Another Road Test
The Heat clearly are a great team at home with a 22-3 record at the American Airlines Arena. However, they have been very inconsistent on the road with a 12-12 record away from home. And now comes the ultimate road test of the season, a five-game West Coast trip that runs until the All-star break.
It starts Wednesday against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Following the Clippers game, Miami will then take on the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, and the Utah Jazz.
Next up: The Los Angeles Clippers. Game tips off at 10:00pm ET on ESPN.
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Follow Us on Twitter @thescorecrow
Follow Us on Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Follow Us on Facebook at The Scorecrow
Follow Us on Instagram at The Scorecrow
Facebook Group where you can read and post articles at The Scorecrow
Reddit Group where everyone can post without fear of being banned at The Scorecrow
Follow Jacari McRae on Twitter @JMcRae23
Main Credit Image: https://www.si.com/nba/2019/10/23/jimmy-butler-ruled-out-heat-grizzlies-personal-reasons
