Tyler Herro‘s shot selection is suspect because of his justification. The Heat were down 114-109 with 41.6 seconds remaining. He got a steal on the defensive end and had a clear path to the basket for an easy score. He then, stopped at the three-point line and shot. The shot didn’t go in, the Bulls got the rebound, sunk another three-pointer and the game was over.
Coach Tony Fiorentino basketball philosophy
Former Heat assistant coach and in-game analyst Tony Fiorentino would say, “You don’t need a three in this situation. A two will do.” The situational basketball that Coach Spoelstra spoke about after the game is the following: Even if Herro sinks the three, the score is 112-114 Chicago.
The team still needs to defend on the next possession and get a steal. A layup attempt (with a more crafty player) has a higher probability of success, and possibly and “And-1” could happen also with trailing defenders. Spoelstra praised Herro saying that he has a “killer mentality” in going for the big shot. But added that that moment wasn’t the time to use the “killer mentality” as the game wasn’t over yet.
Herro’s response after the game
Tyler Herro’s response after the game is a cautionary tale for younger basketball players. He said:
“Looking back at it now, obviously missing the shot, I should have laid the ball up,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I believe that I could make that shot. I believe in myself and I’m going to live and die by that.”
As this is professional basketball, every single player has an overwhelming belief in themselves. The question of the shot selection wasn’t about Herro’s confidence. It was about “what was needed in that situation.” Herro’s “quiet part” said that a three-pointer would’ve made him look great and a make would’ve gotten the team within two, i.e. better than down three.
There was still 41 seconds remaining and more basketball to be played. That wasn’t supposed to be “the moment” in the game. A better moment would’ve been if he would’ve gotten another steal on the following Bulls possession. Then was able to tie the score with a shot or an assist to a player for a shot to tie the game.
Josh Giddey “Heat Killer”
Josh Giddey has two triple-doubles against Miami this season. He has earned the title of “Heat Killer.” The Heat’s defense cannot match up with him. The Heat have always had match up problems with Chicago in recent years. Giddey has his highest scoring average against the Heat and highest field goal percentage.
The Heat travel to New Orleans to play on Friday. It will be interesting to see if the team will be discouraged against New Orleans. Finally they play at home on Sunday against Washington to finish the season. The Heat will travel to Chicago to play the Bulls again for the first round of the play-in tournament.
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