The Miami Heat started their four-game road trip off in impressive fashion with a 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The Heat seem to be hitting their stride after the recent skid and have won six of their last seven games. This victory is huge because the Heat is without their star shooting guard Victor Oladipo at least for this four-game trip. Oladipo tweaked his knee after a dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Heat will need to fill the void. With the Heat’s depth, they should be able to do so. The win at Portland is a great start.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, dong so in 35 minutes of playing time. Adebayo was very active — and he had to be because the Heat scrapped for a comeback. He knew just important it was to set the tone on this road trip. He knows he has to lead the team along with Jimmy Butler, who scored 20 points himself.
“We were just trying to hone in on defense. We just really felt with this team that’s how you win,” Adebayo said. “We were able to get stops and get into transition and get a few dunks. That’s why we won by a lot.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra also has been stressing getting after it on the defensive end. He knows the Heat have so much firepower offensively. But defense does indeed win championships. After making an NBA Finals run in the bubble, the Heat and Coach Spo know what it takes to get to their ultimate goal.
“We know on the road we have to be able to defend at a high level,” Spoelstra said. “Our defense has to travel. It’s a key to our success.”
The Heat look to continue their winning ways in their second of four road games next. They face off Tuesday, 4/13 against the scorching hot Phoenix Suns in Phoenix. Tipoff is at 10 pm Eastern and 7 pm Pacific.
