Deprived of Cade Cunningham, sick, the Pistons, on a bad series of 3 defeats in a row, move to Miami, the leader of the East. A not ideal scenario for the Detroit club, especially since the Heat is difficult to take this season on its floor (24-9). And without its young conductor to establish the offensive rhythm, Detroit staggers to start (9/23 in the first quarter). But under the impetus of their bench (9 points from Marvin Bagley, 12 cumulative points from Kelly Olynyk and Isaiah Livers), the Pistons finally find resources in the second quarter and shake up the Heat.
Except Tyler Herro, the second quarter boss this season for the Heat, catches fire (10 straight points, 17 in the quarter, 20 at half) and he helps the locals fend off more dangerous Pistons provided that. Under the impetus of his sixth man, and despite the discretion of his executives (2/9 for Jimmy Butler, no shot attempted for Kyle Lowry), Miami is in the lead at the break (57-51).
Upon returning from the locker room, the Heat completely lost their footing: only 11 points scored (4 out of 22 on shots) in the third quarter, and in particular… 0 points scored during the last 6 minutes! While its lead was at +14 (68-54), Miami cashed a 19-0 to end the quarter (73-68)! But the workforce of Erik Spoelstra is rich and at the start of the last quarter, Max Strus, who appeared only a few seconds during the third quarter, comes to the rescue.
The shooter scored 13 consecutive points in just 3 minutes, and the Heat regained color. But the Pistons, in the wake of a solid Jerami Grant, did not let go and the locals’ lead was only 2 points (94-92) with 4 minutes remaining. To fold the case, the Heat then relies on the talent of Tyler Herro (9 points in the fourth quarter) and Bam Adebayo, who make the difference in the “money-time” (105-98).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Jimmy Butler absent in 2nd half. The winger twisted his right ankle during the first half and limped into the locker room. Cautious, the Heat decided to put an end to their evening, and it was Gabe Vincent who therefore started the second half in the 5 major in his place. In difficulty even before getting injured, Butler finished with 8 points (2/9) and 3 assists).
Max Strus heat stroke, symbol of the depth of the workforce of the Heat. Nailed to the bench in the first half, then used only a few seconds during the third quarter, Strus started the 4th quarter in the 5 major, without the slightest rhythm in the legs. This did not prevent him from torpedoing the Pistons, with 13 points (3/4 three-pointers) in 3 minutes. In total, he scored 16 points (at 4/6 from 3-pointers) in 16 minutes. His hot shot is a symbol of the depth of the Heat workforce, and represents the problems of wealth of Erik Spoesltra, who can do without a player for 3 quarters before making him play decisive minutes in the last act.
Tops/Flops
✅ Tyler Herro. Again and again him. Jimmy Butler quickly injured, Kyle Lowry ghostly in attack, the Heat’s sixth man naturally took matters into his own hands. Author of 17 points in the 2nd quarter, he then struggled, like his team, after returning from the locker room. Before setting the sights again in the final quarter, during which he scored 9 points, including the decisive baskets at the end of the match, to repel the catchy Pistons. He finished with 29 points (8/15 and 4/8 from 3-pointers), 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
✅ Bam Adebayo. More discreet than his teammate mentioned above in the first half, the pivot of the Heat gained momentum in the second period. Always very “all-around” in his way of contributing, he alternated between important baskets, intelligent passes and inspired defensive sequences to help the Heat get rid of this trap that was this tough Detroit team. He signed a convincing game: 16 points (4/8, 8/10 free throws), 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
✅ Marvin Bagley III. Insignificant in Sacramento in recent months, the interior gives meaning to his career since his arrival in Michigan. Against Miami, he was once again hard-hitting off the bench, with 13 points (6/9) and 6 rebounds. The former Duke star has found his place in the Pistons’ rebuilding project.
⛔️ Duncan Robinson. The painful evenings at shooting seem to multiply lately for the Florida sniper. Well on his feet during the first quarter, he then quickly became disenchanted, and concluded the meeting with a small 2/10. He compensated with a faultless free throw (6/6) and finished with 12 points.
✅⛔️ Isaiah Stewart. Mixed evening for “Stew”. The fiery young pivot from Detroit did not really have an impact in attack for his team during the evening because of the foul problems (5). Despite these faults, he managed to weigh in defense, thanks in particular to his 6 defensive rebounds (8 rebounds in total) and his 2 blocks.
THE FOLLOWING
Miami (46-24): reception of the Thunder, Friday
Detroit (18-51): Thursday, trip to Orlando
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