Heat vs. Timberwolves Takeaways: Tyler Herro Picks Up Right Where He Left Off

A look at five of the biggest takeaways from the Miami Heat’s Monday evening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Miami Heat suffered another nail-biting defeat.

This time to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the return of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

Here’s a look at five major takeaways:

1. Tyler Herro picked up right where he left off before injury.

The star guard had no problems returning to his former level of play after missing 18 games. He was averaging more than 22 points in eight appearances prior to injury. In Monday’s contest, he recorded 25 points, three rebounds, and two steals on 55.6 percent shooting. Herro displayed heavy amounts of aggression, almost like he was never gone.

2. Miami fell apart towards the end of the game.

It was a nerve-racking ending for the Heat after leading by more than 10 points at halftime. Minnesota outscored them in the final two quarters, 58-42. This is a recurring problem for coach Erik Spoelstra and the team, which must be solved to find a postseason triumph.

3. Adebayo outshined the Wolves dominant frontcourt in his return.

Despite coming back after an eight-game absence, Adebayo outperformed Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert on the offensive end. He scored 22 points along with six rebounds and six assists on 45.5 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Minnesota's frontcourt combined for 27 points on 10 of 22 shooting.

4. A healthy Miami roster poses a serious threat to championship contenders.

Without Adebayo and Herro, the Heat held their own but struggled against the top teams in the league. However, with their Big Three back in the lineup, they lost by four points to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. If health is sustained, Miami holds a chance of returning to the NBA Finals. Not to mention, key contributors Kyle Lowry and Haywood Highsmith were sidelined.

5. Anthony Edwards is matchup proof.

No matter who the rising superstar is facing, he seemingly delivers. Edwards wrapped up the game with 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. The confidence of the 22-year-old mirrors that of Jimmy Butler throughout his career.

Erik Spoelstra Compares Anthony Edwards To Dwyane Wade

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com