Even if at the Celtics, he had the opportunity to play in the playoffs, Terry Rozier is enjoying this high-stakes end of the season where the Heat is fighting to avoid the “play-in”.
As a starter, the former Hornets leader has raised his level of play, and Miami remains on seven victories in ten matches. The latest one is not the least symbolic since Erik Spoelstra's players dominated their long-time enemies, the Knicks. A 109-99 victory, after playing with fire in the last quarter.
“More than anything, it was an introduction for our new players, and especially to the Heat – Knicks matches” explains the Heat coach. “That’s what these games are like. Two teams that are really willing to do the dirty work, especially on defense. »
A free electron in a melee
In a defensive match, Terry Rozier looked like a spark with his 34 points on 10 out of 15 shots, including 8 out of 11 from 3-point range! “It’s one of those nights where you feel like you can score, and I thank my teammates and coaches for allowing me to be myself.” reacts Terry Rozier. At his side, Bam Adebayo found that he was “ in a different mode » compared to other days.
For Erik Spoelstra, it is essential that attackers can make the difference in such tough matches and tense ends to the match.
“It’s not just a fight where you have to get out of the cage. We must also score » recalls Erik Spoelstra, very happy to be able to rely on the attacking qualities of Terry Rozier. Particularly in “money time” while Knicks fans, present in Florida, were heard after the equalizer at 92-92.
A trigger for the Heat?
“When they came back to score, we heard the few Knicks supporters” the coach points out. “In these cases, you either feel sorry for yourself or you react. »
For Donte DiVincenzo, the Heat wanted more: “They arrived as if their backs were against the wall, and they showed more desire from the start. In the second half, we pulled our heads out of our asses and started playing. But it was really the start of the match… They were more prepared than us. They grabbed us by the entrance throat. »
For Bam Adebayo, this victory is “the beginning of a click” as the team prepares to face the Sixers, who are right behind them in the standings.
