Posts by @Jacari McRae

The Miami Heat suffered their second home loss of the season. This time against another LA team in the Los Angeles Clippers. After building an early 15-point lead, the Heat found themselves playing from behind thanks to a rough third quarter. Miami’s season record is now at 31-14.

For a moment in the second half, it appeared the Miami Heat were heading towards an embarrassing loss. After trailing by as many as 21 points in the first half, the Washington Wizards stormed back into the game and took the lead. But then, the Heat recovered and pulled out an overtime win over the Wizards. Miami is now 8-0 in overtime games and their season record improves to 31-13.

Here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s win over the Wizards.

The Miami Heat continue to find ways to win at home. Despite playing sluggish for most of the game, the Heat got the stops they needed to finish off the Sacramento Kings 118-113. With the win, Miami moves to 19-1 for the season at home and is now 7-0 in overtime games.

Playing in its 41st game of the season, the Miami Heat finished the night with a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami was in control for most of the game. Even though the Thunder came back, the Heat still found a way to win. The win improves the Heat’s record to 29-12 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Friday’s victory.

Home sweet home. Coming off a disappointing three-game road trip, The Miami Heat bounced back with a win over the San Antonio Spurs. And they did it with a much-improved defense, particularly in the fourth quarter. Miami held the Spurs to 23 points on 36 percent shooting in the period. The win puts the Heat at 28-12 for the season.

With five minutes left in the fourth period, the Miami Heat were up by nine points. Then, the Brooklyn Nets took control the rest of the way with a 17-4 run to close the game. The Nets 2-3 zone made it tough for the Heat’s offense down the stretch. The loss puts the Heat’s season record to 27-11 for the season. They’re also 10-10 on the road.

Here are my takeaways from Friday’s loss to the Nets.

No late-game theatrics in this one. The Miami Heat were in control from start to finish. Fueled by their poor performance in their last road game, Miami was on a mission to make a statement on Wednesday. And they did it by defeating the Indiana Pacers 122-108. With the Boston Celtics loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Heat are now second in the East standings.

Even with Justise Winslow and Jimmy Butler sidelined, the Miami Heat still managed to beat the Portland Trailblazers. After a rough offensive week, the Heat erupted for 122 points on 52.2 percent shooting from the field. The victory moves the Heat’s season record to 26-10. Miami also improves to 10-0 after suffering a loss.

The Miami Heat’s goal for the new year was to play better defense. After a poor defensive month in December, Miami put up their best defensive effort of the season with a win over the Toronto Raptors. The Heat held the depleted Raptors to a season-low 76 points on 31.5 percent shooting from the field. The win moves Miami to 25-9 for the season.

In what felt like a playoff game, the Miami Heat had to dig deep to pull out with a victory. After trading baskets in the first three quarters, Miami opened the fourth period on a 19-4 run. The Utah Jazz made a late run to cut the lead to four, but the Heat still made enough plays to win the game. After the win over the Jazz at home, the Heat now has the best home record in the league at 13-1.

Here are my takeaways from the Heat’s win over the Jazz.

The Miami Heat are now responsible for handling the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Toronto Raptors their first home losses. After struggling against the Heat’s zone defense, the Sixers finally figured out the zone, charging all the way back to within two points. Al Horford’s three-point attempt with 4.8 seconds left fell short, and the Heat came away with a 108-104 win. The win improves the Heat’s season record to 20-8.

Here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s victory over the 76ers.

The Miami Heat have been one of the league’s most surprising teams this season. The emergence of Bam Adebayo and the addition of Jimmy Butler have played a huge part in the team’s early success. As of Wednesday morning, the Heat’s season record is at 19-8, which ranks fourth-best in the Eastern Conference.