Heat vs. Hawks Takeaways: Tyler Herro's Peak Form Highlighted In Double Overtime Win

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 9, 2024

Apr 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) defends the shot; Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat (44-35) walked away with a much-needed win on Tuesday night over the Atlanta Hawks (36-43) in double overtime, 117-111.

Here's a look at five major takeaways:

1. Tyler Herro is back in peak form ahead of the playoffs.

A score-first aggressive guard describes Herro at his best, which was highlighted in the Heat's victory. While efficiency woes remain a concern, the former Sixth Man of the Year showed no trouble with that tonight. He finished with 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 52 percent shooting and 4 of 13 shooting from the arc. It's apparent coach Erik Spoelstra is done with a minutes restriction, as he played a team-high 47 minutes. Herro is the potential missing piece who will get the Heat over the hump to winning a title if he remains healthy after a 20-game missed stretch.

2. Jimmy Butler's final quarter triumph led to their eventual victory.

With less than one week remaining in the regular season, Butler is beginning to take playoff form. This matchup felt opposite to their loss against the Indiana Pacers, as this time Herro held the game close until the final minutes, with Butler sealing regulation. Despite a disappointing final play prior to overtime, the tandem was the sole reason for the eventual victory. The veteran superstar concluded the night with 25 points, nine assists, and three steals on 50 percent shooting.

3. The Hawks are a threat to the Heat in the Play-In Tournament without Trae Young.

Thanks to Young's backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, the Hawks' chances of reaching the postseason remain alive. Murray recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 assists, and 13 rebounds on 12 of 31 shooting. The efforts of forwards De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson are another key reason for keeping the game close, combining for 36 points and 19 rebounds.

4. The Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. debate is nearing a close.

Heat fans are debating who will receive more action during the postseason between the rookie and sophomore forwards. However, recent weeks are starting to reveal the truth. Jovic is the answer. In Tuesday's game, he finished with 23 points and eight rebounds on 66.7 percent shooting while Jaquez tallied three points and four rebounds in 18 fewer minutes. Neither player has almost any postseason experience, but Jovic's recent rhythm could lead to a superior role.

5. Caleb Martin's inconsistencies are a concerning factor that could limit his role down the stretch.

Coming off a 20-point performance on strong efficiency, Martin went scoreless in 27 minutes of action. He attempted nine shots, six of which came from three-point range. His defense made up for some of the struggle with two steals and two blocks, but the lack of consistency could worry the Heat's coaching staff. Martin played a crucial role in taking down the Boston Celtics in last year's Eastern Conference Finals.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla