(Photo via Miami Heat/X)
The Miami Heat got the job done on Wednesday night against a shorthanded Golden State Warriors squad, winning by a final score of 110-96. Miami improved to 7-1 at home with the win and 9-6 overall— as well as moving up into the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed.
On the second night of a back-to-back, Golden State opted to sit all three of Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Butler was initially listed as questionable, but then downgraded to out closer to tip-off with what was listed as back soreness, despite dropping 30 points just yesterday in the Warriors’ loss to the Orlando Magic.
Even without Butler and company, the Golden State role players made Miami work for the win. The Heat started the game with a 20-4 lead early on, but saw that lead evaporate after the Warriors had a 54-43 advantage in the second and third quarters combined. However, Miami never let their foot off the gas and dominated the final period 38-22.
The closing efforts were propelled by the duo of Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo. Powell stepped up in the clutch once again, pouring in 17 of his 25 points in that fourth quarter alone.
It was refreshing to see the Heat’s captain in Adebayo return to the court following a six-game absence with a toe injury. It was exactly two weeks since he last played, but the All-Star big man did not show any signs of rust in this one. He extended to 20 straight games of hitting at least one 3-pointer, as his versatility and growth as a floor spreader continues to be on display this season. He was an efficient 3 of 4 from beyond the arc in this game.
Andrew Wiggins also contributed 17 points as he went up against his former Warriors squad. Kel’el Ware dominated the glass in a backup big role off the bench— totaling 7 points and 16 rebounds on the night in just 19 minutes.
Additionally, Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a solid all around game with 12 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and two steals. Miami outscored Golden State by 12 points in his 34 minutes off the bench.
The Heat shot 41% from the field and 37% from 3-point range as a team. And their defense held the Warriors to a rough 36% and 27% from deep. The biggest disparity came in the turnover battle, as Miami had a 21-14 edge in their favor.
Next up will be a two-game road trip over the weekend in Chicago and Philadelphia.
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