For the eighth time in the Heat's last nine games, Jimmy Butler was not in uniform last night. After missing matches because of his calf, the Miami leader now suffers from a toe, and the medical staff prefers that he only returns when he is 100% to avoid another relapse. An absence that the Heat manages rather well since last night, Erik Spoelstra's players won a 6th victory in eight matches without him.
“Obviously Bam and Tyler were the leaders, but there were major contributions from the X factors” appreciate Spo'. “All these guys bring us important footage to support Tyler and Bam.”
A slew of “X factors”
Before the match against Houston, the Heat coach brought his players together to ask them to be more collective in attack. They responded in style with 30 assists, including 7 for Duncan Robinson, who set a career record. Another important stat: six players finished with 10 points or more. in line with the performance against the Lakers when the Heat finished with eight players with 10 points or more.
“It just shows that we have a rich squad, and that the guys are on the same wavelength and have the same state of mind” testifies Bam Adebayo. “It proves that the guys want to win, and that they are ready to sacrifice themselves so that we win.”
Among the “X factors” of the evening, we will note the new full match of Nikola Jovic. The Serb compiled 6 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 interceptions and 2 blocks in 21 minutes. He set new personal bests in passing, steals and blocks.
“Niko was very good during his time on the pitch,” underlines Erik Spoelstra. “I don't know his stats, but he was able to generate a lot of easy baskets for us, unlock things in risky situations, and that's where he's at his best. »
Nikola Jovic is “unique” for Bam Adebayo
Same enthusiasm from Tyler Herro. “I love Niko, and I told him I was going to start a Nikola Jovic fan club led by Tyler Herro. I love the way he plays. He is so talented. I really think he's very, very good. So I'm looking forward to seeing him on the pitch and continuing to take advantage of the minutes and opportunities he has. »
For Erik Spoelstra, the key to development also lies in his complicity with Bam Adebayo. Both are doing extra sessions in training, and they are getting better and better, as we saw in the second half against the Rockets. “In his own way, Niko is unique” even blurted out Bam Adebayo. “He can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass… He’s 2m08 and he’s only 20 years old. »
