Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics: Five Major Takeaways
The Miami Heat (1-1) stayed competitive in the loss to the Boston Celtics (2-0), despite missing three key players.
Josh Richardson (foot), Haywood Highsmith (knee), and Caleb Martin (knee) were sidelined in the 119-111 defeat. This game proved Miami has the potential to compete against Eastern Conference contenders such as the Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from the game:
1. Jimmy Butler needs to find his rhythm
For the second straight game, Butler scored less than 20 points. Against Boston, he recorded 14 points on 27.3 percent shooting. If Miami hopes to compete for an NBA title, Butler will need to step up his play in the regular season.
2. Tyler Herro can be the team’s X-factor
Herro struggled in the Heat’s opener against the Detroit Pistons, where he scored 16 points on 29.2 percent shooting. However, he bounced back against the Celtics. Herro finished the night with 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 50 percent shooting. In the postseason, his consistency will be an important factor.
3. Bam Adebayo has the ability to dominate on both ends
Everyone sees the force Adebayo is on the defensive side of the ball, but tonight he showed the ability to make a difference on offense. He reached the free throw line at will, ending the night with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. When Butler only attempts 11 shots, Adebayo has the volume to score consistently.
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. isn’t perfect
It may seem obvious to say, but an efficient debut has led to Jaquez’s expectations going through the roof. However, in his second game, he went scoreless. Jaquez is dealing with a lingering groin injury that may have played a part.
5. Nikola Jovic needs to find minutes
In the Heat’s first two games, the sophomore Jovic has yet to see the floor. Last season, Jovic found minutes through the Heat’s injuries, but he isn’t finding the same results this year. At the FIBA World Cup, Jovic showed potential but has not received the opportunity to show it.
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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
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