Jacari McRae | January 13th, 2019
Here are my four takeaways from the Heat’s 112-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
D.Wade’s clutch defense
With nine seconds left, the Heat were holding on to a 110-108 lead over the Grizzlies. The Heat needed one defensive stop to secure the victory. Memphis guard Shelvin Mack drove baseline against Dwyane Wade, and Wade blocked the potential game-tying layup attempt. A jump ball was called with four seconds left.
Wade won the jump ball and tipped it to Josh Richardson. After the Grizzlies fouled him, Richardson went to the line and hit both free throws to close the game.
Justise is served
Is it too late to put Justise Winslow in the Most Improved Player conversation? Man, he’s been balling. And he stepped up big for the Heat on Saturday night. The Heat’s starting point guard scored 18 of his 26 points in the first half to keep the Heat afloat.
Justise Winslow (26 PTS, 7 REB) continues to excel at the point position as the @MiamiHEAT defeat the Grizzlies at home! 🔥#HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/pnQOGncuY9
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 13, 2019
Winslow continues to play with high confidence. He’s been shooting and converting three-pointers, hitting mid-range pull-ups, and finishing strong to the rim. After scoring 26 points against Memphis on Sunday, Winslow has now scored in double digits in 10 consecutive games.
Richardson the playmaker
With Winslow scoring, Josh Richardson moved to the role of playmaking. Against the Grizzlies, Richardson set a new career-high in assists with nine. His previous career-high was eight. In addition to the dimes, the Heat guard also made big plays down the stretch, including a key steal in the late 4th quarter. The 25-year-old guard finished the night with 14 points, six rebounds and two steals against Memphis.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1084243627667263488
The Heat’s hot shooting continues
The three-ball has been falling for the Heat lately. Against Boston, the Heat shot 18 of 39 (46.2%) from behind the arc. On Saturday, the team shot 15 of 31 (48.4% percent) from the field, outscoring the Grizzlies 45-27 from behind the arc. Both Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson lead the team in most threes made with four each.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1084266003545116672
Next up: The Heat visit Milwaukee on Tuesday. Game tips off at 8PM eastern time. It’s the start of a four-game trip for the Heat, who are currently 10-8 on the road so far this season.
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