Jacari McRae | April 7th, 2019
Here are my four takeaways from Sunday’s 117-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Good effort, but not enough
With their playoff hopes on the line, the Heat showed up on Sunday. They led for three quarters before Toronto went on a 14-6 run to close the game in overtime. The Heat could’ve clinched a playoff spot by winning it’s final three games. Instead, they blew a 13-point lead and recorded its fourth consecutive loss of the season.
As of 3PM eastern time, A Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons win on Sunday would officially eliminate them from playoff contention.
Johnson regaining form
James Johnson continues to show spurts of the player he once was in the 2016-17 season. He filled the stat line again on Sunday against his former team, the Toronto Raptors. He also played in crunch time, where he played well defensively and hit timely baskets.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1114949257134530561
Johnson finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Heat’s strong bench play
With the majority of the starters struggling, the Heat’s bench carried the load on Sunday. Dwyane Wade, the Heat’s leading bench scorer, was once again dependable, with seven points in the fourth quarter and three in overtime. Wade shot 4-of-6 from three-point range and closed with 21 points. Hassan Whiteside scored all his 14 points in the first half and grabbed three rebounds to close with 14 points and 9 rebounds.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1114931578440962048
And as mentioned before, James Johnson had 18 points.
Starters struggling with their shots
While the Heat’s bench played well, the Heat’s starters struggled with their shots. Dion Waiters scored 17 points but shot 6 for 16. Goran Dragic, who had nine points, was 4 for 12. Justise Winslow had 15 points but shot 6 for 18.
Next up: The Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Game tips off at 7:30pmET.
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