Miami Heat Remain Undefeated With Haywood Highsmith In Starting Lineup

The Miami Heat have a 3-0 record when forward Haywood Highsmith is in the starting lineup

Author:
Anthony Pasciolla
Nov 9, 2023 9:24 AM EST

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Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith proved why he deserves consideration for a starting spot in Wednesday’s win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

With Highsmith as a starter, the Heat have a 3-0 record this season. They have claimed victories over the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Grizzlies.

Highsmith had 14 points, two rebounds, and three blocks on 71.4 percent shooting. After the six-point win, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised his efforts on both ends of the floor.

"There's a lot of winning plays that he does," Spoelstra said. "Defensively, he can do a lot of different things. He fits very well with what we like to do. He can switch, he can guard bigger guys. He also plays traditional coverages."

Veteran Kevin Love began the year at power forward but was replaced following a minor injury. Highsmith’s elite defense makes him a valuable complementary piece to the Heat’s Big Three.

“Offensively, you can see how much his game has developed," Spoelstra said. "The three-ball, we all know about that. But he's also been working on his drives, his cuts, his ability to finish at the circle area or all the way to the end."

Forward Caleb Martin is sidelined due to an injury but could make noise for the starting job once he returns. Martin struggled in the Heat’s opener against the Detroit Pistons, scoring two points in 19 minutes.