Miami Heat soar past Giannis-less Bucks with Tyler Herro’s standout performance
The Miami Heat showcased their full potential in a commanding win against the Milwaukee Bucks, who were without their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. With this victory, the Heat improved their record to 13-6, marking their sixth consecutive win. A deeper look into the game reveals the key factors that led to Miami’s success.
Offensive Efficiency Takes Center Stage
In their first game of the season with a fully healthy roster, the Heat displayed a potent offensive strategy, blending pace with a refined drive-and-kick approach. This shift in playstyle has allowed them to generate more opportunities at the rim, but the mid-range game has also been crucial. Miami ranks third in the league for the percentage of shots taken from the short mid-range, and they capitalized on this against the Bucks, hitting 50% of their attempts from that range, placing them in the 68th percentile for efficiency.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc with a 27.8% shooting rate, the Heat found success in the long mid-range, converting 66.7% of those attempts. This strategic shooting proved essential as they faced a dip in their usual rim attacks. Additionally, the Heat’s ability to draw fouls contributed significantly to their offensive output; they took six more free throws than the Bucks and converted an impressive 90% of them.
Tyler Herro emerged as the game’s standout performer, scoring 29 points on 60% shooting, complemented by seven assists. His diverse offensive arsenal, including floaters and timely three-pointers, bolstered the Heat’s attack. When Herro was on the court, the Heat registered an offensive rating of 113, in stark contrast to a mere 97 when he sat.
Defensive Resilience Shines Through
True to their identity, the Heat relied heavily on their defensive prowess to secure the win. Although there were moments of vulnerability in their switching defense—exemplified by Myles Turner’s 24 points primarily from inside and the free-throw line—Miami’s defense remained largely effective. This season, the Heat have excelled in switching defensive schemes, often fronting opponents and swarming mismatches in the paint.
Ryan Rollins continued to bolster his candidacy for Most Improved Player with a solid stat line of 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. However, a closer analysis reveals a less-than-ideal true shooting percentage and a 1.25 assist-to-turnover ratio, indicating room for improvement. Overall, the Heat did well to limit the Bucks’ penetration and contested their three-point attempts, leading to a disappointing offensive night for Milwaukee, who finished in the 14th percentile for offensive rating and 39th in half-court efficiency.
Navigating Rotation Decisions
As the Heat look forward, intriguing decisions loom regarding their rotations and lineups. Andrew Wiggins received the starting nod over Kel’el Ware, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. played only 17 minutes despite a solid performance that hinted at his potential as a Sixth Man candidate. Simone Fontecchio’s role dwindled, with just under seven minutes of playing time and none in the second half. Meanwhile, Nikola Jovic found himself sidelined from the rotation completely, highlighting the competitive nature of the Heat’s lineup as they aim to optimize their chemistry and performance.
The Miami Heat’s impressive victory over the Bucks not only demonstrates their ability to adapt and thrive but also sets the stage for continued growth as they navigate the challenges of the season.
