The recap of the Heat – Rockets game was positive. The team faced a very good, athletic team with veteran experience. Miami had narrowly won against Houston last season because of Houston’s athleticism and quickness. Under new coach Ime Udoka, the same players from last season were playing better defense so the Heat were going to be tested. All U Can Heat’s writeup here also talks about the effect Kevin Love had on last night’s game.
Recap #3 — Heat were more physical team vs. Rockets
Check out this article here from SI.com on Fred Van Vleet’s take following the loss. He acknowledged that the Heat were the more physical team, especially on offense. The Heat pride themselves on being in better shape than the other team and wearing them out over the course of a game. He scored 32 points and has constantly played well against Miami. The Heat neutralized young center Alperen Sengun, who had 17 points but has been a bright spot with Van Vleet, scoring a lot on pick and rolls in their offensive sets.
Recap #2 — Adebayo and Herro led team.
Herro had a more efficient game here, shooting 50% (10 for 20). Adebayo had a very efficient 22 points on 9/12. Those two will be tested again and again and need to be efficient. They are well paid and are the main focus of every opposing defense. As I pointed out in my article here after their West Coast trip, Jimmy Butler is the unquestioned leader but he needs to get healthy. Take a look at this video highlight piece here on Bleacherreport.com of every one of Bam’s 22 points. Check out Herro’s highlight piece here.
Recap #1 — Nikola Jovic is ready to contribute NOW.
I keep harping on Thomas Bryant‘s size and lack of contribution. Nikola Jovic is the same height and is developed in Heat Culture enough that he is ready. His size did affect the Rockets last night. He had 3 offensive rebounds and played good defense around the rim without fouling. He has a mid-range shot and can make defenses pay when they try to stop Adebayo and Herro.
The assist to turnover ratio was 3 to 1 (30 assists to 10 turnovers). Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic led the team with 7 and 6 assists respectively. The team also had 41 field goals made on the 30 assists. Check out this article here from SI.com that has Bam Adebayo giving a vote of confidence to Jovic. Jovic is constantly working to improve himself.
