Heat vs. Bulls Takeaways: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. Lead Miami Into Playoffs

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) dribbles the basketball; Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat cruised past the Chicago Bulls on Friday, 112-91, to earn an NBA playoff matchup against the one-seeded Boston Celtics.

Here's a look at five major takeaways:

1. Tyler Herro's near triple-double performance was the biggest key to the victory.

Herro's level of play must remain steadfast for the Heat to have any chance of taking down Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. He finished the night with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists on 47.1 percent shooting and 4 of 9 shooting from the arc. His game-high five turnovers will hopefully shrink to a minimum once Game 1 comes around. After years of trade rumors, this is the former Sixth Man of the Year's best chance to prove his worth.

2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. steps up on the biggest stage of his NBA career.

The veteran-like presence of the former UCLA Bruin was in full effect in the 21-point win. Coach Erik Spoelstra's confidence was shown as Jaquez played a team-high 35 minutes. He tallied 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 8 of 16 shooting. Jaquez is no stranger to thriving when the light shines brightest, with UCLA reaching the Sweet 16 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

3. The Heat proved they can have success in the absence of Jimmy Butler.

You would expect the Heat to crumble without the leader of their team, but they've done the opposite this season. Their record with Butler sidelined is 14-9 this year, much thanks to Spoelstra's ability to adjust. The Heat were one of the most injury plagued lineups, but the addition of Terry Rozier eased the issue.

4. Coby White hurt his chances of winning Most Improved Player.

Although postseason games aren't considered when choosing a winner, it's hard to ignore White's struggles in the win-or-go-home loss. He recorded 13 points, four assists, and four turnovers on 31.3 percent shooting in 36 minutes of action. He, along with Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, are the favorites to win the award.

5. This loss likely marks the end of an era in Chicago.

DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine could all see a change of scenery by next year's trade deadline. DeRozan is hitting free agency, and Vucevic and LaVine are running out of time in their prime, so the Bulls may decide to reset. White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams would make up their young core.

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