Terry Rozier's Huge Game Leads Miami Heat Past New York Knicks

Shandel Richardson | Apr 2, 2024

Apr 2, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after driving to lane - Sam Navarro/USA Today Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier recently claimed he was still getting acclimated in his new surroundings.

It was hard to tell by watching his performance Tuesday against the New York Knicks. Rozier had 34 points to lead the Heat to a 109-99 victory against the New York Knicks at Kaseya Center.

It was a key win because it kicked off a four-game stretch against teams with playoff aspirations. Rozier finished 10 of 15 from the field, including eight 3-pointers. This was the best game of Rozier's tenure with the Heat since he was acquired at the trade deadline in February.

The Heat held a double-digit lead before the Knicks made a late charge in the fourth quarter. The Knicks tied the score at 92 on a tip-in by former Heat draft pick Precious Achiuwa with 3 minutes, 59 seconds remaining.

The Heat then closed it out behind their top three players. Jimmy Butler hit a short jumper, Bam Adebayo made a shot from the top of the key and then Rozier sealed it with a deep 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining.

The win improved the Heat to 42-33, leaving them a half game behind the Indiana Pacers for the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are trying to avoid a second straight appearance in the Play-In Tournament despite riding it all the way to the NBA Finals last season.

After the Knicks, the Heat now face the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and the Pacers the remainder of the week.