3 Warmth takeaways from the shocking preseason win vs. Hawks

After the Miami Warmth gained two straight Tuesday, it is now at three as they beat the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday evening within the second recreation of a again to again, 120-111. With the Warmth trying to make some noise within the East this season, there was enterprise that wanted to be dealt with for the beginning lineup.

Wednesday was one other recreation the place followers bought to see the Warmth’s beginning lineup of Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Bam Adebayo. Listed here are three takeaways from Miami’s win over Atlanta:

A shocking period of time for the Warmth’s beginning lineup

Possibly to some followers’ shock, the Warmth’s projected beginning lineup got here again for the second recreation of the again to again which exhibits that head coach Erik Spoelstra desires to see as a lot as time with them collectively to prepare for later this month.

With how large of a problem accidents and well being has been the previous few seasons, one may have thought they might have stored them out to protect well being. Earlier than the competition, Spoelstra mentioned to ClutchPoints that it might be a “related” method to the previous few video games, however desires to go away folks in “suspense.”

Nonetheless, Wednesday marks their third recreation performed collectively, so Spoelstra and firm will take any alternative they will get so every of the 5 can get their function down pact and be comfy with each other. What’s extra shocking in regards to the Warmth’s starters enjoying within the first two quarters, it’s that all of them performed effectively into the third quarter the place they took a one-point lead with simply over seven minutes left within the interval.

They as soon as once more discovered their move as the sport went alongside after an inconsistent begin as whereas we’ll contact on Butler’s spectacular outing, Herro had 19 factors, Adebayo had seven, Terry Rozier had six, and Jovic had 5. They began the joy that led to an enormous lead within the third interval.

An energizing efficiency for Warmth’s Jimmy Butler

As folks proceed to query the hassle degree of Butler, Wednesday’s outing just about can put that narrative to mattress of if there was any concern for this season. Butler completed the sport with 24 factors on an efficient eight for 11 taking pictures to go together with 5 rebounds, three assists, and even two steals exhibiting defensive depth.

There may be undoubtedly a way with the star that there’s far more motivation this time round as one may assume it is as a result of Butler is searching for a contract extension in what’s a “show it” kind of season. Nonetheless, it is necessary to notice that it’s nonetheless the preseason and it’s off of 1 recreation, so it is sensible to mood expectations.

Nonetheless, Butler performed his fashion of basketball which is intense, taking what the protection offers to him, and his recreation plan which is enjoying bully ball and discovering his shot within the paint. There isn’t any doubt that it is a fantastic signal of issues to return for himself, the workforce, and particularly the followers which are anticipating his greatest season but in a Warmth uniform.

The Warmth’s second unit retains up the momentum

Whereas it was an up and down day for the Warmth’s second unit led by akin to Jaime Jaquez Jr., they got here alive within the third quarter after the starters have been accomplished as they went on a 24-2 run which was a spotlight of the interval. Haywood Highsmith and Kevin Love particularly have been taking full benefit as each made 5 mixed three-pointers.

The bench for Miami is a stable unit that additionally has such integral items like Duncan Robinson, Alec Burks, and Dru Smith which does not even embody rookies Pelle Larsson and Kel’el Ware who each may see prolonged minutes because the season goes alongside. Highsmith, who bought the sport off Tuesday, shined Wednesday scoring 16 factors (6-8 taking pictures) whereas exhibiting his “three and D” fashion of play which shall be essential for the Warmth.

Miami has another preseason recreation left on Friday in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies on the street till Oct. 23 within the common season opener in opposition to the Orlando Magic.