Jacari McRae | December 15th, 2019
Heading into Saturday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat were 0-4 on the second night of a back to back. After a hot first half, the Heat blew a 24-point lead and was in danger of losing to the Luka Doncic-less Mavericks. But in the end, the Heat made critical plays down the stretch to close the game. The Heat moves to 19-7 for the season.
Here are my takeaways from the Heat’s win over the Mavericks.
A Tale of Two Halves
With the way Miami played in the first half, this looked like a game that was over early. With Luka Doncic leaving the game early, the Heat went on a 13-2 run to start the game. Miami moved the basketball around and was hot from beyond the three-point line. The Heat closed the first half with a 73-50 halftime lead.-
But then, the Mavericks pushed back. After trailing by 23 points, the Mavericks started the second half strong, outscoring the Heat 61-39 in the final 24 minutes of regulation before heading into overtime. Dallas got hot from beyond the arc and the Heat’s offense got cold. However, Miami still found a way to pull a victory.
Bam Adebayo an All-star?
If the All-star game started today, Bam Adebayo should be in serious consideration for it. While Jimmy Butler is the best player, Adebayo has been the team’s most important player. And Bam showed why on Saturday with his overall production. With the team missing key playmakers, The Heat often went to Bam to initiate the offense. Bam’s final rebound of the game was crucial, with him grabbing the offensive board after Butler missed a crucial free-throw in overtime.
@Bam1of1 had a busy night in Dallas earning his 2nd career triple – double!
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 15, 2019
18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals
#HEATHighlights pic.twitter.com/NCNgY51fC6
For the second time in the last three games, Adebayo recorded his second triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Less Turnovers
Miami is beginning to show signs of becoming a more disciplined team. Despite being second to last in the league in turnovers, the Heat have done a much better job of taking care of the basketball. Against the Mavericks, Miami only committed eight turnovers.
It’s the first time this season that the Heat has finished with less than ten turnovers in back-to-back games. There’s no guarantee it’ll be like this every game but as long as they commit less than 17 they should be fine.
Next up: Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Game tips off at 7:30pm ET.
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