Wednesday was the first of a two-game home-and-home series for the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks started the game with a 13-2 lead over Miami. The Heat offense was very sloppy, and they were turning the ball over continuously. Once Miami settled in, the team started playing better. Their defense was suffocating the rest of the way, holding the Hawks to 91 points at the finish. Nothing was easy for the Hawks on the offensive end as they fell 115-91. With the win, Miami improves to 26-15 for the season.
Here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s win over Atlanta.
Herro’s Near Triple Double
This may have been Tyler Herro‘s best all-around game of the season. Miami started the game playing terrible basketball. It didn’t stop until Herro checked in. He went to his scoring bag early by attacking the paint and hitting his mid-range jumpers. His passing game was on full display, as well. Herro has definitely improved as a passer, making better reads on the offensive end. By halftime, he had 16 points and eight assists. Most importantly, his defense was very impressive. He got a monster chase down block on DeAndre Hunter on one play. When he switched onto Trae Young, he moved his feet very well. Overall, it was a great game from Herro. He finished the night with 21 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds.
Return of Dedmon
The Heat welcomed back Dewayne Dedmon after he missed time with an injured knee. Dedmon played well in his first game back, rebounding the ball and protecting the paint. As well as Omer Yurtseven has played, it’s likely that Dedmon will get more minutes once Bam Adebayo returns. Dedmon provides consistency and trust as the Heat’s backup. He plays the pick and roll game very well. Though Yurtseven might have the higher ceiling, he still has a lot to learn. He has shown he can play when needed, but right now the best move is to play Dedmon over him. Dedmon finished the night with six points and eight rebounds.
Vincent is Back
The Heat’s backup point guard Gabe Vincent was back in action, and rocking the afro. That was the only thing that was different about him, as Vincent played like he never left. He was 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He played stifling defense on Young and even frustrated taller players like Danilo Gallinari. Vincent’s defense was something the Heat have been missing the past few games, and he showed it on Wednesday night. Vincent ended the night with 14 points.
Robinson’s Bench Experiment
For the third consecutive game, Duncan Robinson played off the bench. At first, it seemed like a short term move with Robinson arriving late to the team after clearing protocols. However, now it’s shifting towards a long-term move. So far, the change appears to have worked for Miami. Robinson is entering the game and shooting the ball very well. The pairing with Herro seems like a great partnership, especially with the way Herro’s passing game has improved. Usually, Robinson is playing off handoffs from the Heat’s bigs, but with Herro, the fit seems better. He’s not shifting any way when he shoots the ball. Robinson finished the night with 14 points.
Next up: Home versus Atlanta on Friday. Game tips off at 8pm EST.
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