Who would have imagined at the start of the season that the Nets could lose eleven games in a row? Anybody ! And yet, tonight, on the floor of the Heat, Steve Nash’s players lost 115-111. Of course, the rookies haven’t arrived yet and Kevin Durant hasn’t recovered yet, and those are too big of a handicap. In the wake of its leaders, Miami dominated the first three acts. As always, the Floridians offer a basketball based on strong defensive pressure and as often his opponent cracks in front of the kicks from Jimmy Butler and his gang.
In this team, danger can come from anywhere. On the exteriors, there is Butler certainly but a certain Duncan Robinson finds the smile and the address, Tyler Herro has as usual the full powers coming off the bench and Bam Adebayo of course, walks on the racket of the Nets. Result, from +6 at the break, the gap increases to +21 on the return from the locker room (89-68). We obviously fear that it will turn into humiliation for the Nets.
Then suddenly, Kyrie Irving wanted to remind everyone that he was still one of the best forwards in the NBA. The Nets point guard scored 20 of his 29 points in the final quarter, and the Nets picked up the score. Miami falters, but does not break. Less than 40 seconds from the end, the young Cam Thomas reduced the gap to one unit on a 3-point (110-109). The Nets even have match point to tie or win. But the rookie is trapped by Kyle Lowry, and it’s PJ Tucker on free throws that ensures the Heat’s victory (115-111).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
The mind of the Heat. For three quarters, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo had shown why they are now number 1 in the East. In this team, the hierarchy is well established. Everyone knows what to do, everyone knows their role and that’s often how you win. Sometimes there is a little relaxation but mentally tonight they were able to find the solutions despite Kyrie’s rise in heat. Lowry’s experience and the defensive self-sacrifice of Butler or Adebayo allowed the Heat not to crack in the face of the opposing rebellion. That’s also what great teams are, knowing how to let the storm pass.
The Nets sink. The Nets have just lost for the 11th time in a row, and here they are 8th in the Eastern Conference. Without Kevin Durant and with a dotted Kyrie Irving, this period is very complicated, and it is therefore to be hoped that Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and Ben Simmons will quickly manage to acclimatize and above all that KD will be able to quickly regain its splendor. on the return from the All-Star Game… At the risk of having a very complicated end to the season.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kyrie Irving. Even if he is unfortunately one of those responsible for the Nets’ complicated season, Kyrie Irving remains a magician, and one of the rare players who can take a game on his own. At the end of the third act, Steve Nash tries to find solutions, and Irving takes responsibility and scores 18 consecutive points. Pure Kyrie. 3-point shots, penetrations or mid-range shots. When he is like that, everyone can only applaud him. But the public of Brooklyn is not so lucky.
✅Bam Adebayo. Bam Adebayo never disappoints. Defensively, he’s a monster. He is able to defend on all positions and it is valuable for defensive changes. Offensively, he continues to progress and his agreement with Lowry or Butler is incredible. Tonight he ends the game with another double-double (19 points and 14 rebounds) and an incredible impact. +22 for Miami when their pivot is on the floor.
⛔Patty Mills. Given all the absences he had to show something else, and support Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, he lacked address and offensive impact. Opposite, the young wolves of the Heat have often been glued to him and defensively, it is not easy to defend on Herro, Robinson or Butler. A tough night for the Australian.
THE FOLLOWING
Miami (37-20) : short break before receiving the Mavericks on Tuesday.
Brooklyn (29-27) : return home, without Irving, to face the Kings on Monday.
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