Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Nuggets battered the Trail Blazers, taking game one of the miniseries

The Nuggets obliterated the Trail Blazers in the paint with 88 points, recording a new season high. Nikola Jokić had a 40-point masterpiece and didn’t have to play in the fourth quarter. And five of his teammates logged double digits in scoring.

 

After the game, Jokić said, “Maybe because we are scoring that much and scoring easy, we are playing a little bit better defense.”

 

The hosts raced off to a 15-point lead after making their first 11 shots. After that, Jokić cut inside for a layup and pivoted through the lane for a high-arching shot over Donovan Clingan. Defensively, they let four Trail Blazers get loose for multiple field goals, but it didn’t hurt them as they were still in control.

 

Subsequently, the Nuggets only allowed three 3-pointers in 12 attempts by contesting promptly. On top of that, Jokić ran in a fastbreak layup, pivoted by Deni Avdija for a bank shot and scored on two cuts, giving himself 25 points before intermission. 

 

At halftime, the Nuggets led 70-15. They also held the advantage in three key areas: paint points 44-28, fastbreak points 18-9 and points of turnovers 10-4.

 

Then the visitors were caught in a 42-point avalanche in the third quarter. Jokić finally cooled off from 3-point range, missing all four attempts, but he added three extra shots in the restricted area and two jumpers from the baseline and just inside the wing. Christian Braun also got his licks in, producing on the break and a cut through the lane in the half-court. And Julian Strawther piled on four shots, too.

 

Within the first minute of the fourth quarter, Jamal Murray scored through contact on a drive through the lane and had extra words for Toumani Camara. After he took his free throw, he barked at Dalano Banton and got his second technical foul, getting tossed. But he wasn’t missed too much because the Nuggets had a 23-point lead at that moment, and Strawther, Braun, Jalen Pickett and Trey Alexander combined for 12 baskets to close the game.

 

The defense permitted one shot in nine tries in the paint in the fourth quarter because the team was helping aggressively. Avdija was the only visitor to make multiple field goals in the period.

 

The Nuggets won 146-117. They outscored the Trail Blazers in paint points 88-46, fastbreak points 29-12, second chance points 16-12 and points of turnovers 28-7.

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Braun was a two-way force. He tallied 26 points (22 in the paint) on 86% shooting, with six rebounds, two assists, one block and a turnover. After the game, Malone gave him the defensive player of the game chain.

 

  • Jokić had 40 points on 68.2% shooting, with seven rebounds, eight assists, three steals, one block and five turnovers. One of his most memorable moments was fading in the corner with Deandre Ayton all over him, burying a 24-footer. He said, “Like my old friend Mike Miller said, ‘Just shoot it and let it fly. Enjoy the moment.’” He also said he doesn’t practice shots like that.

 

  • The team’s 146 points is the third-highest output by any this season. They only made eight treys in 32 attempts. 

 

  • Strawther got to start for Michael Porter Jr. again. He had a big third quarter, helping the team put their foot on the Trail Blazers’ throats to take a 20-point lead heading into the final period.

 

  • Jokić was frustrated with the lack of calls going his way in the first half. At one point, Ayton’s offhand, hit his shoulder on an attempt, and it was missed by the refs. Coach Michael Malone followed an official chastising him and got a technical foul. Murray also got his first T here as well. 

 

  • Pickett played well in his 29 minutes as a connector and added some relief baskets. He had a season-high of 14 points on 60% shooting.

 

  • The team shot 79% on two-pointers.

Heat Left Searching for Answers After Demoralizing Loss

The post Jimmy Butler Miami Heat suffered a disappointing home loss on Monday night, falling 103-85 to the Boston Celtics in a game that highlighted their offensive struggles and inability to match Boston’s firepower. Despite a strong start in the first quarter, Miami quickly found itself overwhelmed as the Celtics took control in the second and never looked back.

Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. did not play for Miami. While Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday were out for Boston.

Offensive Struggles Plague the Heat

Miami’s shooting woes were on full display as the team shot just 33.7% from the field and an abysmal 24.4% from beyond the arc. Despite attempting 45 three-pointers, the Heat could only convert 11, failing to keep up with Boston’s superior shot-making. Bam Adebayo led the team with 22 points and 12 rebounds, but his 6-of-17 shooting reflected the inefficiency that plagued Miami all night.

Andrew Wiggins, making his presence felt as a new addition to the lineup, struggled mightily, shooting just 3-of-12 from the floor and finishing with 11 points. Kel’el Ware, who was expected to provide inside presence, also had a rough night, scoring only eight points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Nikola Jović and Alec Burks provided some offensive sparks, scoring 10 and 13 points, respectively, but their efforts were not nearly enough to keep the Heat competitive. Meanwhile, Terry Rozier and Davion Mitchell combined for just 13 points on a dismal 6-of-20 shooting.

Boston’s Balanced Attack Leads the Way

The Celtics showcased their offensive depth, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge with 33 points on 13-of-26 shooting. Al Horford turned back the clock, adding 16 points while knocking down four three-pointers. Kristaps Porziņģis contributed 17 points and nine rebounds, providing Boston with a consistent inside-out presence.

Sam Hauser provided an unexpected boost off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep, while Derrick White facilitated the offense with seven assists to go along with 13 points.

A Game of Runs

The Heat started the game with energy, winning the first quarter 24-18. However, things quickly unraveled as the Celtics found their rhythm, outscoring Miami 34-19 in the second quarter. The Celtics’ defense clamped down in the second half, holding Miami to just 42 total points over the final two quarters.

Boston’s largest lead of the night reached 24 points, as their three-point shooting—though not elite at 32.1%—was enough to comfortably put Miami away. The Heat, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on their 12 offensive rebounds, converting second-chance opportunities at an inefficient rate. Miami must figure out the scoring woes quickly, especially with games against the Thunder, Mavericks, and Bucks this week.

Extra Notes

  • Wiggins poor in debut (3-12 shooting, -22+/-)
  • Bam is now two double doubles away from tying Rony Seikaly for the franchise lead (221)
  • Alec Burks- 13 points, seven boards. and a +6 +/-
  • Another game another lost rebounding battle, 52-51

Looking Ahead

For Miami, this loss raises serious concerns about their offensive consistency and depth. The Heat’s lack of a reliable second scoring option behind Adebayo was evident, and the absence of a steady perimeter threat hindered their ability to mount a comeback. With a 25-26 record, Miami must find a way to improve their shooting and overall execution if they hope to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference as this marks the Heats second consecutive game under 90 points.

The Heat will look to bounce back in their next game (Wednesday vs the Thunder), but they’ll need a significantly better effort, particularly on the offensive end, to avoid another disappointing showing. Meanwhile, Boston continues to solidify itself as one of the most dominant teams in the league, improving to 38-16 and maintaining their grip on the Eastern Conference’s top spots.

Meet Davion Mitchell, the Newest Member of The Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have a new defensive menace in town—Davion Mitchell, better known by his nickname, “Off-Night.” The moniker isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a testament to his defensive prowess, a reputation he built during his second year at Baylor when he routinely shut down future top-10 draft picks. Now, as he dons the No. 45 jersey for the Heat, Mitchell is ready to bring that same intensity to South Beach.

All quotes are from today’s presser (February 9th, 2025).

Defensive Mindset and Heat Culture

The Heat have long prided themselves on their gritty, hard-nosed defense, and Mitchell fits that mold perfectly. The 26-year-old point guard, acquired from the Toronto Raptors, is eager to make an impact alongside Miami’s defensive stalwarts.

“I’m excited—you got Bam behind you, Kel’el Ware… everyone just playing hard. That’s the culture here,” Mitchell said. “Then you got us three, Wiggs and Anderson, who show some length, move their feet. So I’m excited for what we can do.”

Mitchell has already established himself as a relentless perimeter defender, and joining forces with Bam Adebayo, one of the league’s premier defensive anchors, only enhances Miami’s ability to suffocate opposing offenses. His ability to pressure the ball at the point of attack while being backed up by Adebayo’s rim protection could make the Heat one of the league’s most formidable defensive teams.

 

Point of Attack Defense

Mitchell brings real point-of-attack defense to the backcourt, something the Heat have sorely needed. His defensive performances against elite guards this season showcase his ability to disrupt opposing offenses:

  • Trae Young: 4-13 FG, 1-5 3PT, 5 TOV
  • DeMar DeRozan: 6 PTS, 2-6 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3 TOV
  • De’Aaron Fox: 3-9 FG, 0-5 3PT, 2 TOV
  • LaMelo Ball: 2 PTS, 1-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2 TOV
  • Tyrese Haliburton: 3-10 FG, 2-7 3PT
  • Jaylen Brown: 4-12 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2 TOV

His acquisition strengthens Miami’s perimeter defense, a crucial factor given that the Heat are 6-0 when holding their opponents below 100 points. Adding Mitchell to the roster significantly bolsters their chances of continuing that trend.

 

Embracing the Miami Heat System

The moment Mitchell arrived in Miami, he knew he was entering a system built for players like him. Erik Spoelstra’s defensive schemes demand maximum effort, discipline, and the ability to play with an edge—qualities Mitchell has embodied his entire career.

“Man, I’m super excited. Even my rookie year, seeing Miami, seeing the culture and seeing how hard they play, I think honestly I’m going to fit right in,” Mitchell said.

That fit goes beyond just the X’s and O’s. The Heat have a history of maximizing defensive-minded guards, turning them into key rotational pieces. From Gabe Vincent to Caleb Martin, Miami thrives on players who embrace the grind, and Mitchell appears to be the next in line to thrive under Spoelstra’s guidance.

 

The “Off-Night” Effect in Miami

Mitchell’s defensive calling card has always been his ability to make life miserable for opposing guards. He doesn’t just contest shots—he disrupts offensive rhythms, forcing opponents into inefficient nights. That’s how the nickname “Off-Night” was born at Baylor, where he built a reputation for shutting down elite scorers. Now, Heat fans are eager to see that same impact in a Miami uniform.

His defensive stats (0.7 steals per game and a defensive rating that ranked among the best perimeter defenders) suggest he can be a key piece in Miami’s perimeter defense. Pairing him with Adebayo, Wiggs, and Anderson could give the Heat one of the most dynamic defensive lineups in the Eastern Conference.

 

Playmaking Ability

While Mitchell is best known for his defense, he’s also a very solid playmaker. His ability to facilitate offense and create opportunities for teammates makes him an asset on both ends of the floor. His court vision and passing ability will help balance Miami’s attack, ensuring that he’s not just a defensive specialist but a well-rounded contributor.

 

What to Expect in His Debut

Heat fans won’t have to wait long to see Mitchell in action. He’s set to make his debut Monday at home against the Boston Celtics, a team stacked with elite perimeter scorers. It’s a perfect test for Mitchell and a chance to show Miami exactly why his nickname holds weight.

As he steps onto the floor in a Heat uniform for the first time, one thing is certain—opposing guards should be prepared for an “off-night.”

 

******

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Nuggets take down the depleted Suns in Phoenix

The Nuggets cruised to their sixth consecutive win while facing the Suns minus Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen. Even with key absences to Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr., this was still a tuneup game for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić were unstoppable, but the hosts hung around for a half because they recovered 10 offensive rebounds and made 11 triples in that span.

 

After the game, Murray was asked what’s different about the team from a month ago. He said they are locked in heading into the All-Star break. “Just playing better and putting the ball in the hoop.”

 

Murray cracked open the first quarter with three trifectas and dribbled into the lane for his fourth consecutive make. Jokić set up three 3-point baskets and spun plus crashed his way into four paint shots. And Christian Braun scored three baskets in the open court.

 

Save for some threes, the defense guarded well but didn’t finish the job as the Suns secured seven offensive rebounds to offset their 39% shooting. At the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets led 37-32.

 

Murray continued raining jumpers, and Christian Braun pressured the Suns on the break with multiple strikes. Jokić checked back in nearly halfway through the second quarter and rampaged until intermission on post-ups through the lane. Devin Booker gave them the most problems in the quarter as he scored from long and close range.

 

At halftime, the Nuggets led 63-55. The lead in painting points 38-16 and in fast break points 14-2. Yet, they were down in second chance points 12-8.

 

Then Jokić made four baskets in five tries from short and long distances. Murray and Jalen Pickett were the only other Nuggets to log multiple field goals in the period. Defensively, they held the Suns to 27% 3-point shooting by contesting on time.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets up 17 digits. Jokić didn’t have to play the fourth quarter as the Nuggets had a comfortable lead. DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji worked the power rotation. On top of that, Murray, Braun and Julian Strawther shot the team to the finish line with a combined five baskets, including three triples.

 

The Nuggets won 122-105. They outscored the Suns in the paint 54-36 and on the break 20-8. The hosts had the edge in second-chance points 23-15.

 

Play of the game: Braun finished a one-handed jam on a lob from Gordon on the break.

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Murray had his sixth 30-point game of the season. Five have come since Jan. 14. Interestingly, he was frustrated in pregame warm-ups with his jumper not falling.

 

  • Jokić finished with a Sombor double- 26 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. He made 11 shots in 13 tries.

 

  • Gordon had an off game, shooting 22%, but he still came away 10 rebounds. He still doesn’t have his burst back since coming back from the calf injury. It’s most noticeable on defense when covering the dribble on the perimeter.

 

  • Malone attributed the deficiencies in the rebounding department to ball-watching.

 

  • The Nuggets led the last 46 minutes of the game. Denver’s largest lead was 23 points.

 

  • Picket looked comfortable and made two 3-pointers in the third quarter. After the game, he said he’s been getting pointers from Westbrook.

 

  • This was the Nuggets’ sixth game with nine turnovers or less this season. Their record in those games is 4-2.



The Art of Reinvention: The Curious Case of Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins has always been a player of contradictions. A No. 1 overall pick who spent years battling the perception that he never lived up to his potential. A max contract player who was criticized for being inefficient yet became an essential cog in a championship-winning team. A soft-spoken figure in a league dominated by outspoken superstars, yet someone whose peers, including Jimmy Butler back in 2019 once called “The most talented player” that he had ever played with.

 

Now, at 29 years old, Wiggins finds himself in another pivotal moment in his career. The Miami Heat have acquired him in a blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, signaling a new era for both franchises. For Wiggins, it’s another chance to redefine himself, to step into a leadership role on a Heat team in transition, and to prove once again that the basketball world has always been too quick to write him off.

 

From Prodigy to Underdog

 

Wiggins’ journey has been anything but conventional. Born in Toronto to a family steeped in athletic excellence—his father, Mitchell Wiggins, played in the NBA, and his mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, was an Olympic sprinter. Basketball was in his blood. He was the No. 1 recruit in high school, the “next big thing” before he had even played a minute in the NBA.

 

That hype only grew when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. But before he could even settle into his new city, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package for Kevin Love who is now his teammate in Miami. The message was clear: LeBron James and the Cavaliers were chasing a championship, and Wiggins, still an unproven rookie, wasn’t part of that immediate plan.

 

In Minnesota, Wiggins career was defined by empty stats and unmet expectations. He averaged over 19 points per game in his first five seasons, won Rookie of the Year, and showed flashes of elite scoring ability. Yet, the Timberwolves never became a true contender, and Wiggins was often criticized for his inconsistent motor and lack of defensive engagement. Despite the raw talent, the NBA world began to question if he was anything more than an athletic scorer who never quite put it all together.

 

It wasn’t until 2020, when he was traded to the Warriors, that the narrative around Wiggins began to shift.

 

The Golden State Renaissance

 

The Warriors were taking a gamble when they acquired Wiggins. He was still viewed as an inefficient volume scorer on a bloated max contract, and many believed Golden State had simply taken on his deal to facilitate other future moves. But Steve Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff saw something different: a player with the length, athleticism, and skill set to thrive in a system built on movement, defense, and unselfish basketball.

 

Wiggins transformed himself into a vital two-way player. In 2022, he became an All-Star for the first time, and more importantly, played a crucial role in helping the Warriors win an NBA championship. He was Golden State’s best wing defender, took on the toughest assignments nightly, and rebounded at an elite level in the playoffs. In the Finals, he was arguably the second-best player behind Stephen Curry, proving once and for all that he could impact winning at the highest level.

 

But just as Wiggins had found stability, life threw him another curveball. A personal matter, the loss of his father, forced him to step away from the game for extended periods. When he returned, he struggled to regain his rhythm, and as the Warriors pivoted toward another roster shakeup, Wiggins suddenly found himself on the move once again, this time to Miami.

 

A Perfect Fit in Miami’s System

 

While the Heat are losing the player that led them to so much success over the past 5 seasons in Jimmy Butler, they aren’t getting a mere consolation prize in Wiggins. Instead, they’re getting a player who, under Erik Spoelstra’s guidance, has the potential to thrive in ways we haven’t seen before.

 

1) A Defensive Anchor

 

Miami’s defensive schemes rely heavily on versatility, and Wiggins provides that in abundance. With his 7-foot wingspan, lateral quickness, and ability to guard multiple positions, he can seamlessly fit into Miami’s aggressive switching defense. Although Spo has relied heavily on their zone scheme in order to account for having subpar individual defenders that provide the spacing needed to operate a modern-day offense—Wiggins can provide both elite defense and will make teams pay if he’s left open. Unlike Butler, who often took on heavy offensive responsibilities, Wiggins will have more energy to commit to the defensive end where he has proven he can be an elite disruptor when engaged.

 

 

2) A Needed Slasher and Post Presence

 

One of the biggest voids left by Butler’s departure is his ability to generate offense in the paint, whether through post-ups, strong drives, or drawing fouls. Wiggins, despite his reputation as a perimeter-oriented scorer, has shown he can be highly effective when attacking the rim. In Golden State’s 2022 championship run, he shot over 70% at the rim and finished in the 83rd percentile in post-up efficiency. Spoelstra, who is known for maximizing players strengths, will undoubtedly tap into this area of Wiggins game.

 

3) The Mental Shift

 

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Wiggins arrival in Miami is the culture fit. While some have criticized Wiggins quiet demeanor, the Heat have a history of bringing out the best in players with something to prove. From LeBron James redefining himself in 2012 to Butler ascending into superstardom, Miami has long been a place where talent is nurtured and toughness is instilled. If Wiggins embraces the “Heat Culture” mantra, this could be the best version of him that we’ve ever seen.

 

A New Chapter, A New Identity

 

The transition from Jimmy Butler to Andrew Wiggins marks a fundamental shift in how Miami will operate moving forward. Butler’s leadership, intensity, and ability to take over games in clutch moments made him one of the most iconic figures in Heat history. But time moves forward, and Miami is now betting on Wiggins to be a key piece in their next phase.

 

Unlike his previous stops, Wiggins arrives in Miami not as the No. 1 pick with franchise-saving expectations, nor as an overpaid player looking for redemption. He arrives as a seasoned veteran, an NBA champion, and a player who has seen both sides of the league—the highs of winning a title and the lows of being written off.

 

At 29 years old, this might be Wiggins best chance to truly elevate an organization that refuses to rebuild but rather reloads.

 

As Erik Spoelstra and the Heat shape this next era, Andrew Wiggins has an opportunity to rewrite his legacy once again. He’s not filling Jimmy Butler’s shoes. He’s stepping into his own. And if history has shown us anything about Wiggins, it’s that when people doubt him, he finds a way to prove them wrong.

 

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Coach Geo is a contributor to @5ReasonsSports and performance coach with a passion for basketball analysis, breaking news, and sports performance. Covering the Miami Heat, NBA trends, and the business of basketball. Subscribe to his Substack where this article originally appeared.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Loss in Brooklyn underlines Heat’s desperate need of the cavalry

The Nets’ defense made the Heat look impotent in the fourth quarter, their second-worst (net rating) of the season, after scoring nine points on 9.5% shooting. It was like a varsity squad whooping on five randoms at the park. Such a poor showing highlighted the need for reinforcements coming soon in the form of Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Davion Mitchell.

 

After the game, Tyler Herro said, “We should’ve won,” but he and Bam Adebayo faded down the stretch. Coach Erik Spoelstra lamented how the team couldn’t accelerate past an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter before the collapse. He also said his team is inconsistent and doesn’t manage success well.

 

The Heat got smoked in the last 10 minutes on a  31-7 to close the game. Trendon Watford was the Net who caused the most damage in this stretch on four drive-bys to the rim. Keon Johnson and D’Angelo Russell added multiple field goals, and the defense blocked the Heat seven times in the period. 

 

Rookie Kel’el Ware got yanked to the bench after fewer than five fourth-quarter minutes because he was out of position on defense and slow to help.

 

Even more disconcerting: the team thought they would roll over the hosts because they were 17 games below .500 before Friday’s start. They got butchered on the glass and wasted one of their rare strong performances from Terry Rozier.

 

Adebayo said after the game the team cannot outscore opponents, but they have to play better defensively. Despite the team’s ninth-rated defense, it’s mostly smoke and mirrors as they register a pitiful 118 defensive rating against the top teams (top five seeds in the East and highest four in the West; the Heat has not played Memphis this year). Nonetheless, Adebayo attributed defensive troubles to not knowing what coverage they’re in, missed block outs and miscommunication.

 

Of course, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell’s perimeter defense will help create the stops and transition opportunities the team needs. But the ceiling is first-round at best if Adebayo and Herro don’t play like All-Stars. They must be better on offense because all those missed shots are getting the opponent out in transition like turnovers. Herro said after the game, “It also puts a lot more pressure on our defense if we’re not scoring.”

 

Furthermore, Haywood Highsmith needs to be more of a threat to score if he’s going to remain in the starting lineup. He can always set a quick screen for Adebayo and Herro, then roll with his hands up, signaling he wants the ball, or pop out on the side for a jumper. And Nikola Jović, who only snagged one rebound, must play like he’s 6’10 and not 5’7.


Unacceptable Fourth Quarter Collapse Brings Miami Back To .500

The Miami Heat suffered a humiliating loss to the Brooklyn Nets tonight, falling 102-86 at Barclays Center. Despite a scorching 17-point first half from Terry Rozier and solid performances from Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s shooting struggles, and a catastrophic fourth-quarter collapse ultimately sealed their fate. Miami shot just 35.6% from the field and 30% from three-point range and were outrebounded 39-57. The loss drops Miami’s record to 25-25, leaving them back at .500, and they are now 13-15 on the road. With the Celtics awaiting on Monday, the Heat must quickly regroup or risk continuing this downward spiral.

Terry Rozier’s First Half Performance:
Terry Rozier was the only bright spot for Miami in the first half, pouring in 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His offensive spark kept the Heat within striking distance, but after halftime, Rozier, like the rest of his teammates, went cold. Despite his strong start, he couldn’t find his rhythm in the second half, finishing with just 20 points on a dismal 6-of-15 shooting performance. Rozier’s inability to carry the momentum forward reflected Miami’s broader offensive issues, and his struggles contributed to the Heat’s disastrous second half.

Disastrous Fourth Quarter Collapse:
Entering the fourth quarter with hopes of another victory, the Heat were quickly overwhelmed by Brooklyn’s 31-9 run in the final period. Miami’s offense evaporated in the most embarrassing way, scoring a pathetic 9 points on just 2-of-21 shooting. Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, and Nikola Jovic, who had all played significant minutes, were especially atrocious, with only one converted shot in the final frame. The Heat’s inability to execute down the stretch, compounded by their poor shot selection and turnovers, allowed Brooklyn to run away with the game.

Another question is why did Kel’el Ware only play four minutes in the fourth quarter? Ware’s presence in the first half, especially on the boards, was solid. Given the Heat’s struggles in the paint and on the glass, it’s perplexing that he played just four minutes in the final period. Spoelstra’s decisions with the rotation in the fourth quarter were quite questionable, an all-too-common theme in a season filled with late collapses. A complete lack of urgency and focus in the fourth quarter made this loss feel like a blowout, even though the game was still within reach for most of the contest.

Shooting Woes and Rebounding Deficiencies:
Miami’s shooting issues were glaring tonight. The Heat finished with just 35.6% shooting from the field and a disappointing 30% from three-point range. Even worse, the team was dominated on the boards, with the Nets outrebounding Miami 57-39. The Heat’s inability to secure key rebounds, particularly on the defensive end, led to multiple second-chance points for Brooklyn. The combination of missed shots and a lack of rebounding forced Miami to play catch-up all night, unable to generate the energy or execution necessary to mount a successful comeback.

Bam Adebayo’s Solid Performance:
Bam Adebayo was one of the few bright spots for Miami. The center finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds, providing solid defense and a reliable scoring presence for the Heat. Adebayo’s efforts kept Miami in the game for much of the night, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s shooting inefficiencies and lack of production in the fourth quarter (0-3 from the floor in the fourth).

Looking Ahead: The Debut of New Acquisitions:
Miami’s struggles this season have left fans desperate for answers, and the hope is that their newest acquisitions — Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell — will provide the necessary spark. With both expected to be available for Monday’s home game against the Boston Celtics, the Heat desperately need these players to bring defensive toughness and offensive contributions. Miami’s issues are well-documented, with a 4-6 record in games where they fail to score 100 points and a continuing inability to get stops on defense.

The Heat are 6-0 when holding opponents under 100, so the hope is that Wiggins, Mitchell, and even Kyle Anderson will help shore up both sides of the floor.

Conclusion:
Tonight’s loss was a brutal reminder of Miami’s continued inability to execute, especially when it matters most. Spoelstra’s failure to make adjustments in the fourth quarter left his team exposed, as the Heat collapsed under the pressure. Despite individual performances from Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo, the Heat could not find any cohesion or consistency when it mattered, especially in a fourth quarter that can only be described as embarrassing. With a 25-25 record, Miami will need to regroup quickly and refocus ahead of their critical matchup with the Celtics. The hope is that the debut of Wiggins, Mitchell, and Anderson will provide a much-needed boost, but only time will tell if these moves are enough to fix the inconsistencies of this team.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat notes and summary of Jimmy Butler’s introductory presser with the Warriors

Andrew Wiggins now wears #22 for the Miami Heat after requesting it. This highlights how badly the relationship ended with Jimmy Butler, who wore the same digits since 2019 until the trade on Wednesday. If Butler was concerned with his number, he should’ve handled his exit with more class.

 

While Wiggins may not have the same offensive takeover ability as Butler, he is a better defender at this stage in his career and is willing to guard the other team’s best perimeter scorer. Butler took a break on that.

 

Despite the Warriors having more star power, they are older, smaller, and less athletic. In Miami, Wiggins can be a part of one of the league’s most strict defenses for the rest of the year, next to Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Kel’el Ware and the newly acquired Davion Mitchell.

 

On top of that, he should fit like a glove next to Tyler Herro on offense. The latter is guarded like a first option and good on drive-and-kick plays, too. As a result, Wiggins will be the recipient of lots of cuts and open jumpers. If Adebayo continues his strong play since Jan. 27, he will be another tool to take pressure off of Wiggins, especially when facing up in the half-court or when he wants to initiate up the floor.

 

More on Adebayo’s return to All-Star form:

 

In his last five games, Adebayo’s mojo has returned, averaging 23.6 points on a 62.2 effective field goal percentage, with 10.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and four turnovers per game. In this span, most of his shots have come within 5 feet and he has made 85.7% of those. Second on the diet are the looks from 15-19 feet away and those are falling at 68.8%.

 

His foot speed on defense is as quick as ever, and with more playing time next to Ware, he can harass smaller players on the perimeter. This also lets him come in as the weak side shot blocker with Ware being the low man.

 

Butler’s introductory presser with the Warriors: 

 

General manager  Mike Dunleavy Jr. started thanking the players he cast off for he who was not content and said his team “needed to hit the ground running.”

 

Butler said, “I’m so happy to be playing basketball again, honestly. But for an organization like this one with some of the hellafied talent that we have. I will do my best to do what everybody wants and that’s to win a championship.” So far his only regret in all of this is that he can’t frequent his newly established coffee shop in Miami.

 

Halfway through the press conference, he said he didn’t have too many bad things to say about the Heat, and that they gave him an opportunity and he did his job at the highest level.

 

 But he wouldn’t answer what made him want to leave: money. He bounced around it, saying, “I don’t know. Maybe just a lot of talking back-and-forth, and sooner or later, the talking‘s gotta stop.” All the Heat did was try to hold him accountable.

 

He was later probed on how big a factor the extension was, BSing, “I’m not gonna say that was a big part… I think the biggest part was getting me able to play basketball again.”

 

By the end, Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill asked him if he felt wanted in Miami. Butler answered, “Maybe at times.”

 

In directing himself to Phoenix and the Warriors being a second option, Butler responded it was a great choice and skirted accountability because nothing had come directly from his mouth. In reality, he wanted Phoenix badly.

 

Regarding what appealed to him about playing with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Butler said the cliche, “That they always play winning basketball, and they’ll do whatever it takes to win.” He also added that “they can teach me a whole lot.”

 

Mr. Uncountable says he will fit right in. Green’s madness might keep him in check for a while. Another reporter doubled down on this question, and he also repeated the usual yada, yada about wanting to win a championship.

 

He was asked “where are you at mentally,” as if it matters when he quit on his former team while making $48 million. He’s doing fine because he didn’t sacrifice anything besides his reputation, which he doesn’t care about.

 

He expects to play Saturday in Chicago against his other former team. How long will it be before Butler realizes that Herro has been better than Curry this season? The Heat’s first reunion with Butler is on March 25th in Miami.

 

It likely wasn’t his intention because he was asked about former comments, but he will probably cut Heat fans further after saying, “I know that I have my joy back now…”

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Nuggets battered the Magic, winning their fifth game in a row

The Nuggets were missing Jamal Murray (knee), Russell Westbrook (hamstring), and Peyton Watson (sprained knee), but it was no problem for them to dispatch the touring Magic. Michael Porter Jr. went on a heater, scoring on cuts and downing his long jumper. And Nikola Jokić recorded his 24th triple-double of the season.

 

The Nuggets turned the ball over three times in the first quarter, were burned by multiple fastbreak strikes and went down 26-25 at the end. On the way there, Jokić carried his crew, scoring 13 points on various drive-bys, a post-up through the middle and the catch-and-score near the rim. At one point, he was sharing the floor with Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett and Zeke Nnaji and was turning water into wine. The only other Nugget to make multiple shots in the period was Braun.

 

Subsequently, the defense held the visitors to 39% shooting in the second quarter. On the other side, Jokić poured in three more baskets, but it turned into the Porter quarter. The latter erupted for 16 points on the catch and dribble on 77% shooting.

 

At halftime, the Nuggets were ahead 59-50. They led in three key areas: paint points 30-22, fastbreak points 12-10, and second chance points 11-3. 

 

To follow up, a Nuggets barrage put the game out of reach by the end of the third quarter. Porter buried three extra triples, Braun scored on four cuts, and Jokić recorded nine of his 12 assists in the frame. Defensively, the team sagged off a bit from the arc to bother the lanes because the Magic are the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA. The hosts held them to 35% shooting in the quarter.

 

The Nuggets started the fourth quarter ahead by 25 points. Jokić, Gordon and Porter never had to check in. DeAndre Jordan, Nnaji and the other background players enjoyed garbage time.

 

The Nuggets won 112-90, and outscored them in paint points 60-40, fastbreak points 24-12 and second chance points 14-7. 

 

After the game, Jokić said, “Defense ignites our offense… We just find the way to win the games.”

 

Takeaways:

 

  • Nnaji made another appearance and struggled to score from close and long range. But his defensive performance was much sharper, which got him recognition from coach Michael Malone after the game. This was his third outing in the last four in which he logged at least 21 minutes.

 

  • Malone said Braun got the defensive player of the game award. “Franz Wagner’s been playing at a really high level, and I thought CB took that challenge head-on.”

 

  • Jokić had a triple-double before the third quarter ended. He totaled 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. He and Porter both made 11 baskets in 16 tries.

 

  • Porter had 30 points for the third consecutive game. Additionally, stepping up for the team without Murray says a lot of good things about his basketball character.

 

  • The team won five games in a row for the first time this season.

 

  • Strawther had an off night, making only one of eight attempts and his body language wasn’t great. Malone gave him some tough love and encouragement on the sidelines.

 

  • Gordon had seven offerings to Porter, Braun and Jokić.

 

  • Malone said Murray’s knee “ was not in a good place [Thursday].”



Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The end of the Jimmy Butler Experience

Jimmy Butler finally complained his way out of Miami and ruined his reputation with the help of his agent Bernie Lee. The latter is a bully who even went as far as verbally attacking the ESPN reporter, Shams Charania, to taint his credibility but failed.

 

Perhaps Butler will feel contrition in the future for his part in the Miami chapter’s ending. The partnership got a lot done together, but his ego is the size of Lake Okeechobee, so we’ll see.

 

His behavior let his teammates down and was reminiscent of James Harden quitting on the Nets to get out of Brooklyn.  The Heat had a good chance to be a surprise team again this year. The third star they desperately searched for emerged in Tyler Herro.  To boot, Bam Adebayo found his game as soon as Butler was exiled. How does that happen? It’s like removing the malcontent from the office; then vibes improve, and productivity increases.

 

Undoubtedly, Butler, the third-best player in franchise history behind Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, has cost himself a jersey retirement until further notice. Heat play-by-play broadcaster Eric Reid made a good point after the team’s win in Philadelphia, as the proverbial mushroom cloud was still in the air from the deal. “History and time will pass on. He will go down as one of the great players in franchise history, but it was a difficult, sad and sort of ugly ending. But it’s over now. That clarity is good for everybody.”

 

 Butler had an issue with Pat Riley telling him through the press to keep his mouth shut if he wasn’t playing. It wasn’t the wisest tactic from Riley, but that was a G rated version of the Godfather and nothing he wouldn’t say to Butler himself.  Yet, this secondary problem would have evaporated quickly if Butler got the desired extension.

 

It got ugly because it was about money, and Butler acted like the Heat didn’t do enough to put a team around him. Keep in mind, it was Butler who said at his introductory press conference, “The way that they go about everything [in Miami] is the right way,”

 

It was hyperbole, and one colossal mistake management made in his tenure was picking Precious Achiuwa in 2020 over Tyrese Maxey, Jaden McDaniels or Payton Pritchard.

 

But the team did right by him. They traded for Jae Crowder, a coveted role player at the time, and Andre Iguodala, a veteran with a few rings. They went to the Finals in that campaign.

 

The 2020-21 season was a waste mainly because the team had 72 days for an off-season after the bubble. Still, the Heat traded for Victor Oladipo, who was not close to an All-Star anymore but still a good player. He blew out his knee in his fourth game with the Heat. He never got back to what he was.

 

They signed his pal Kyle Lowry and gave him an extra year, plus got PJ Tucker for a season before he fell off. The Heat was the first seed immediately after and lost in Game 7 in Miami against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.  Then with Lowry in a lesser role, the Heat made the Finals as the first Play-In team and second eighth seed ever.

 

The Cavaliers thought their future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Love was washed, then the Heat swooped in and got him. He helped take the team to the 2023 Finals.

 

When Damian Lillard was the target, the Portland Trail Blazers refused to do business with them.  Herro and multiple first-rounders were on the table, but it wasn’t good enough.

 

Butler’s displeasure that Miami couldn’t attract the stars and keep his favorite role players -Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin- was the real smoke screen. Anyone who believed this nonsense probably thinks that Riley and his committee could’ve got a deal done for a whale by sending the scariest-looking goon to make an irrefutable offer

 

As soon as Butler was traded, he reportedly signed a two-year extension worth $121 million. He, soon-to-be 37-year-old Stephen Curry, and what’s left of Draymond Green aren’t long for the retirement community. Inconceivably, the Warriors failed to understand that declining athletes, reaching for every dollar under a crippling CBA are not team players.

 

They supplied the Heat with Andrew Wiggins, who guards the opposing team’s best perimeter player and scores 17 points per game. There are not 15 NBA players that do that so this makes the trade a home run for Miami. The multi-team deal also got them back Tucker, who was rerouted to Toronto for Davion Mitchell; Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick from Golden State.

 

The conclusion to the Jimmy Butler experience should have been retiring a Heatle or an amicable parting. He left the team as third in playoff points (1,583), third in assists (362), third in made free throws (441) and seventh in rebounding (433). His highest moments in black were logging a 35-point triple-double in Game 5 of the 2020 Finals and 47 digits in Boston in Game 6 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, keeping the team alive in both.

At his best, he was an inspiring overachiever. At his worst, he was joyless while making $48 million to play a kid’s game.