Jacari McRae | March 1st, 2020
Unlike the previous two games, there was no late-game collapse this time. The Miami Heat blew another double-digit lead on Friday but responded with a strong fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Heat picked up its 37th win of the season with a 126-118 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. With the win, Miami holds on to the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Here are my takeaways from Friday’s win.
Second unit provides spark in the fourth quarter
Just like the previous two games, the Heat blew another double-digit lead. The Heat were up by 12 in the third quarter before Dallas went on a 19-5 run to take a five-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Down five points after three quarters, the Heat began the fourth quarter on a 13-0 run. During the run, Miami converted on a couple of threes and baskets.
The vet, @andre with the slam! pic.twitter.com/uH7NAy2ie2
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 29, 2020
The five players who started the run were Duncan Robinson, Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder, Andre Iguodala, and Goran Dragic.
Another lineup change
After starting Kelly Olynyk alongside Bam Adebayo in the past three games, the Heat made another change, replacing Olynyk with Derrick Jones Jr. The reason behind the move was to give Jones Jr. the opportunity to defend Luka Doncic. Jones Jr. did a terrific job defending Doncic.
Doncic was off with his long-range shooting all night. He had eight points on one for seven shooting in the first half but responded with 11 points in the third period before having a quiet fourth quarter.
Herro out longer?
It seems like we’ll have to wait longer on Tyler Herro‘s return to the court. According to Five Reasons Sports, the rookie may be sidelined even longer. Herro’s been sidelined since Feb. 3.
Have now spoken to 3 plugged in sources who expect Tyler Herro to be out multiple more weeks
— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) February 29, 2020
Herro has been one of the reasons for Miami’s surprising season. He’s averaging 13.1 points a game this season while making 39.3 percent of his three-pointers. Most importantly, his fourth-quarter playmaking has helped the Heat close some games.
Next up: Brooklyn Nets. Game tips off at 7pm ET
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Main Credit Image: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2875610-andre-iguodala-comments-on-heat-debut-facing-warriors-for-1st-time-since-trade
