The Heat win both games this week and beat teams they are supposed to beat. They ran Atlanta out of the arena and beat Memphis. Tyler Herro made his return to the team and did what he does best — score. Kel’el Ware had a double double in both games, chock full of calories (that contribute to winning.)
vs. Atlanta
The Heat were up 57-54 going into the second half. They built the lead to 74-60 with 5:20 remaining in the third. Atlanta was shooting terribly finishing the third going making nine out of 27 shots. The Hawks were playing on a second night of a back-to-back as they beat Philadelphia on Thursday.
The Heat played like the rested team. They overwhelmed the Hawks in the paint 72-38. They won the rebounding battle 58-46. Norman Powell played hurt and Tyler Herro came back from injury and played very healthy. The Heat have had several games of blowing teams away, most recently against Denver.
vs. Memphis
The Heat were up by nine to start the second half and ended the third quarter up by 20. Miami attacked the paint again scoring 70 points to Memphis’ 54. They dominated the rebounding battle 57-35. Andrew Wiggins scored 19 of his 28 points in the first half. GG Jackson scored 28 points for Memphis and per their newspaper, Commercial Appeal, the team is searching for an answer at the center position.
Scottie Pippen Jr. and Myron Gardner were ejected for fighting during the game. In the above video, Pippen and Gardner both went for a rebound and Pippen appeared to throw Gardner to the floor. Gardner was late arriving to the play on the Memphis side and Pippen was wide open for the shot.
Pippen made the shot and after the shot, Gardner held his body up late and collided with Pippen. Pippen fell to the floor in an exaggerated way. The referees didn’t fall for Pippen’s reaction and then Pippen took it upon himself to rectify the Gardner hit. Pippen went down to the Miami end of the floor and, as if he was at the park, attacked Gardner.
Upcoming week
The Heat go on the road for two games to Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Then, they play Houston at the Kaseya Center. The Heat can beat the Bucks. Then, they “step up in weightclass” to play the Sixers, who are in the sixth seed, ahead of Miami in losses. Houston is miles ahead of Miami at the moment so any win against them would be “icing.”
