The Heat beat the Spurs. A mediocre team beat another mediocre team. But, during the game, Coach Spoelstra debuted a new lineup that may change the course of the season. Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware were put together in the lineup in the second quarter. The Heat defense improved as if they were in a video game. The defense’s rating went up from a paltry 75 to a 90.
Jimmy Butler may want to stay
As per Ira Winderman, if the Heat cannot move Jimmy Butler by the trade deadline, he can opt-in to a $53 million dollar year. So, the conclusion would be for Miami, “Damned if you trade him, damned if you keep him.” Butler was bringing the ball up court during the game as Coach Spoelstra has alluded to in previous post-game press conferences.
Butler was developing a two-man game with Ware, feeding him on an alley-oop score. He also would look for him to run offense. Butler has said that he doesn’t have ill will with the other players (just coaching and management.)
Ware and Adebayo
At one point in the second quarter, Adebayo was banging down in the post on a possession. He passed out to Ware, that drained a three-point shot. Heat analyst John Crotty said, “These two can exist together on the court at the same time.” The Heat went on a 20-2 run to close the half up. The Spurs were frustrated on offense with the two.
Ira Winderman even observed that the introduction of Ware into the lineup with Adebayo may cause the Heat and Butler to revisit their breakup. No doubt about it, the lineup is a new, refreshing opportunity. These two bring back historic Heat combos — Shaq and Wade, Wade and Adebayo, Butler and Adebayo. Ware may be what Adebayo needs to unlock his scoring.
Ware vs. Wembanyama
Kel’el Ware was fun when he took on Wembanyama in trying to score during the second and third quarters. He didn’t look to pass the ball out. He wanted to score on Wemby. Wembanyama defended him well, but it was visible that Wembanyama knew the spotlight was on he and Ware. Wembanyama missed several three point shots in a row. Then, he began to attack the paint to increase his scoring chances.
One Response