Nice test in anticipation for Victor Wembanyamawhich rubs against Bam Adebayoone of the best interiors in the league.
And in the first half, each team is entitled to its quarter-time. Namely the first for Spurs (29-15), collectively on point on both sides and who notably obtain good shooting positions; the second for the Heat (35-24), awakened in particular by Duncan Robinson (you can’t make this up…) and who regains defensive solidity then addresses to reduce the gap and reignite the suspense.
Still led by Duncan Robinson, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kevin Love, Miami finally goes ahead after the break, but San Antonio relies on his team, always very effective and led by Keldon Johnson, to keep the lead twelve minutes from the end (84-82). Texan lost balls are as problematic as Florida’s clumsiness from afar, while Gregg Popovich’s men can thank the success of their shooters in responding to free throws from those of Erik Spoelstra.
Victor Wembanyama, always greedy but finally skillful, it is Bam Adebayo who tries to stand up to him with mid-distance baskets, while the elusive Duncan Robinson continues to punish the opposing defense. After Dru Smith, it’s Josh Richardson’s turn to also come out of his box as the minutes go by, while Bam Adebayo’s big defense on Victor Wembanyama completely extinguishes the Frenchman in money time. It’s too much for the Spurs, who give up in front of the control and experience of the Heat at the end of the game (118-113).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Victor Wembanyama, determined but clumsy. In double-double, “Wemby” did his numbers, but above all he showed clumsiness: 8/22 shooting, including 2/9 from 3-point range, and 7 turnovers. If he doesn’t hesitate to take his chances, he would undoubtedly have benefited from trying to cause more fouls near the circle, to avoid becoming too predictable as the minutes go by. Note his finish on a bad note, due in particular to the stifling defense of Bam Adebayo, assigned to the Frenchman by Erik Spoelstra in the middle of “money time”.
TOP/FLOP
✅ Duncan Robinson. The Spurs being manhandled at home by Duncan Robinson is the height of it. But that’s what happened last night, as the Heat’s sniper did everything to the Texan defense. Well helped by the metronome Bam Adebayo, who continues to be excellent on each side of the field, “D-Rob” swung the match in favor of Miami with his award-winning shots, his feints and his penetrations. Particularly in the second and fourth quarters, when San Antonio was in the lead, and quite significantly.
⛔️ The San Antonio Mess. Spurs remain a young and inexperienced team, which was particularly evident last night. Collectively attractive for a good part of the match, Gregg Popovich’s men sometimes let themselves be overcome by their desire to do well and their excess energy, at key moments, committing 17 turnovers (compared to 4 for Miami) or letting the Heat shooter 30 free throws (for 28 successes). Against such an opponent, these mistakes are paid for in cash and even 19 winning baskets or 35 assists may not be enough…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
