The Washington Wizards and the Miami Heat squared off at the Kaseya Center in each team’s first NBA In-Season Tournament game.
Playing on a newly designed court—with a mostly bright red floor—gave the arena a new feel. The Miami Heat played with high energy and were able to pull out a 121-114 victory over the Wizards.
The Heat played nine players tonight and all nine guys contributed productively.
Tyler Herro led the way for the Miami Heat. Herro scored 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting. Herro knocked down 4-for-7 from the three-point line. He hit 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Herro grabbed 10 rebounds, dished nine assists, and recorded two steals. Herro’s timely baskets were one of the main catalysts that pushed the Heat to victory.
During the postgame Jimmy Butler had some things to say regarding the Heat’s victory. He was happy with the win, but knows his team can improve as the season progresses.
“The offense, definitely good tonight,” Butler said. “Defense, not as much.”
The offense was clicking tonight for the Heat. Going into the fourth quarter the Heat seemed to be absolutely on fire and held a 101-81 lead. However, the defense needs to improve for the Heat to be successful this season. The Washington Wizards shot 57% from the field despite losing the contest. In the NBA, if your opponent shoots 57%, you usually lose that game. That’s an area to be on the lookout for regarding the Heat this year.
More Heat Contributions
- Jimmy Butler scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out two assists, and recorded three steals.
- Bam Adebayo scored 18 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists.
- Duncan Robinson scored 18 points and dished out six assists.
- Thomas Bryant scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.
- Josh Richardson scored 10 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out five assists.
The Miami Heat have improved to 2-4 overall on the season. They face the Los Angeles Lakers next in Miami at the Kaseya Center on Monday, 11/6/23. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and the game will air on NBATV.
The Washington Wizards are 1-4 on the season. They travel next to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, 11/6/23. Tip-off from the Wells Fargo Center is at 7 p.m. Eastern.
