The start of the match was pleasant, with two teams looking each other in the eye. After five minutes, the Sixers have a one-point lead (12-11). Miami, author of a good start to the match, stands up to Philadelphia, and even takes a 6-point lead (29-23). Came into play, Kevin Love sends two consecutive bombinettes to 3-pointers to give the Heat a 13-point lead. The Floridians lead by 10 points at the end of the 1st quarter (41-31).
On a long distance basket, Kyle Lowry gives his team a 15-point lead (48-33). Philadelphia is not there at all. Opposite, Miami can count on Tyler Herro, author of 16 points, to maintain a significant advantage (57-40). Erik Spoelstra’s players end the second quarter in a cannonball, and return to the locker room with a 21-point lead (67-46).
Thanks to a 3-point shot from De’Anthony Melton, the Sixers reduced the gap to 15 points (74-59). But now, Miami is very skillful tonight, and stops every attempt at a “comeback” from Philadelphia. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Jimmy Butler’s teammates retain an 18-point lead (96-78).
The last quarter is a very long “garbage time”, and the Heat logically wins 129-101.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Heat on fire. It was a one-sided game and Miami taught Philadelphia a basketball lesson. Erik Spoelstra’s players took control of the match during the 1st quarter, and never let go, constantly pressing on the weaknesses of an opposing team that was totally lost. They were very skilful throughout the match with 56% shooting including 46% from 3-pointers.
– Miami still believes in it. Guaranteed to finish in 3rd place in the East, the players of Doc Rivers were probably not motivated by this meeting, and it showed. Quite the opposite of their opponent who still dreams of 6th place. The equation is simple: the Nets must lose their last two games and the Heat must win both of theirs for Miami to steal 6th place, and challenge… the Sixers in the first round.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Tyler Hero. He was the best player in the Heat, standing out from the rest from the start of the game. He finished with 24 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds at 5/8 3-point range.
✅ Jimmy Butler. As usual, when it counts, he responds: 24 points and 6 assists at 9/12 shooting.
✅ Max Strus. He had a very clean game by scoring several important baskets. He finished with 14 points at 4/8 from 3-pointers.
⛔️ The Sixers. They were not concerned tonight, especially in attitude.
THE FOLLOWING
Sixers (52-28): trip to the Hawks back-to-back (1h30).
Heat (43-37): trip to the Wizards back-to-back (1h).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
