Our Heat Season Companion Part 7 covers the Miami Heat’s 100-97 win against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, as well as some positive injury news for the Heat. This win puts the Heat at 29-23 heading into their next game at MSG against the Knicks. Let’s get into the latest edition of the Heat season companion series.
Heat Season Companion Part 7: The Heat’s Generally Elite Defense
One trend that has continued through the season is that the Heat are typically one of the best defensive teams in the league. This defense was absent from the Heat’s loss to the Hornets, but the Heat showed up on defense once again in the win against the Cavaliers. The Heat held the Cavaliers to 97 points on 48.2% shooting and only 27.5% three-point shooting.
Additionally, the Cavaliers turned the ball over 13 times in this game. The Heat also had 15 turnovers of their own, but managed to hold on to the narrow win regardless. The Heat held Donovan Mitchell, who’s averaging 27.6 points per game, to only 16 points on 6/17 shooting from the field. More generally, the Heat only allowed the Cavs to score 18 points in the fourth quarter overall.
The Heat Shot 45% From 3 Against the Cavs
Shooting well from 3-point range always helps teams win games, especially in the modern era of NBA basketball. Thankfully, the Heat did just that against the Cavs, converting 45.2% of their three-point attempts in that game. Caleb Martin made four 3s while Herro and Vincent both made three 3s. Three-point shooting has been largely a struggle for the Heat this season, so it was good to see the Heat shoot well from three-point territory in Cleveland.
Heat Season Companion Part 7: Omer Yurtseven’s Ankle Has Fully Healed
Injuries have certainly plagued the Miami Heat this season. However, the Heat got some positive news on this front after learning that Omer Yurtseven’s ankle has now fully healed. The doctor cleared him for ‘high impact work’. Yurtseven will hopefully play in games once again after the All-Star break. For now, Yurtseven continues to work his way back to full fitness at Miami Dade Arena.
The Heat Play the Knicks Next in Crucial Matchup
The Heat travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks tonight. This is a crucial matchup, since the Knicks are right behind the Heat in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat have not played particularly well on the road this season, but they do have momentum on their side after that win in Cleveland. Hopefully, the Heat can win again and move closer to the fifth-seed Cavs in the standings. I would bet on Bam Adebayo scoring at least 20 points regardless of the outcome, given the favorable matchup against Julius Randle.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.