Heat vs. Mavericks Takeaways: Scoring Of Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Missed In Loss

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 10, 2024

Apr 7, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) in the first half; Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat (44-36) fell short to the Dallas Mavericks (50-30) on Wednesday in the second of back-to-back games, 111-92.

Here's a look at five major takeaways:

1. The scoring of guards Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson were missed in the loss.

It's clear the Heat lacked much-needed scoring in all four quarters, with Rozier (neck) and Robinson (back) sidelined. Not scoring more than 25 points in any quarter is unacceptable once the postseason comes around. Thankfully for coach Erik Spoelstra, two of their biggest X-factors were absent. Rozier is firing on all levels in recent weeks while Robinson remains the inconsistent flamethrower in the rotation.

2. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving catching fire should worry the rest of the West.

One of the league's strongest backcourt tandems is finding their rhythm with less than a week remaining in the regular season. Doncic finished the night with 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists on 39.1 percent shooting while Irving tallied 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting. The most concerning factor for the rest of the conference is that Doncic and Irving are known for stepping up in the playoffs.

3. Bam Adebayo struggled throughout the entire night.

It's worrying to see the three-time All-Star big man in a slump at this time of the season. Adebayo scored eight points along with three rebounds on 3 of 13 shooting. The adversity he's facing can not progress past the regular season if the Heat hope to find success similar to last year.

4. Kevin Love remains a perfect compliment to the Heat's frontcourt.

Offensive woes from Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. handed Love an opportunity to shine. He recorded a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds on efficient shooting in 18 minutes of action. His veteran presence is a major benefit for the team on and off the court.

5. Tyler Herro's health is the lone challenge standing in his way.

Staying on the court is a problem Herro has faced for the majority of his career. It's unfortunate for him and the Heat, who benefit from his aggressive offensive style. He concluded the evening with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 40 percent shooting. Herro is back with a chip on his shoulder after missing nearly all of their Finals run in 2023.

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