Our Heat season companion part 11 picks up after the Heat’s 104-100 loss to the Cavs in Miami. This loss drops the Heat’s record to 35-32, only one and a half games ahead of the Hawks in eighth in the East. Let’s get into the season companion.
Heat Season Companion Part 11: The Heat Committed 24 Turnovers
The Heat played fairly well throughout the first three quarters of this game. However, the Heat committed a season-high 24 turnovers against the Cavaliers. Those 24 turnovers led to 29 points for the Cavaliers. That was the single biggest factor that led to the Cavaliers’ win in this game.
The Heat Only Scored 18 Points in the Fourth Quarter
Naturally, the 24 turnovers that the Heat committed were a major issue for the Heat’s defense. Those turnovers allowed the Cavaliers to score 29 points and to do so without facing the Heat’s set half-court defense. However, the 24 turnovers also majorly disrupted the Heat’s offense, as well.
The Heat’s offense has struggled quite a bit overall this season. In a game like this with so many turnovers, those offensive struggles are magnified. The Heat shot 50% from the field in this game, but only 27% from three-point range. The Heat have to significantly reduce the number of turnovers that they commit to win games in the future.
Heat Season Companion Part 11: The Heat’s Bench Has to Step Up
Herro, Adebayo, and Butler were the only players who scored more than 10 points in this game. The Heat have to get more production from their bench unit to win games, especially against good teams like the Cavaliers. Oladipo, Strus, and Martin have to contribute more off the bench for the Heat to lessen the scoring burden on the Heat’s starters. As it stands, bench scoring has been an issue for the Heat all season long. Hopefully, the Heat’s bench players start contributing more as the regular season comes to a close.
The Heat Have a Rematch with the Cavaliers
The Heat face the Cavaliers again in Miami on Friday. The Heat will need to shoot better from three-point range and commit far fewer turnovers to win this game. However, the Heat have beaten the Cavaliers already this season, so they can certainly win that game. I would bet that Butler and Adebayo will each score at least 15 points in that game.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.