Q: Caleb Martin spitting chiclets is so Heat. They should put them in a jar where Udonis Haslem’s locker was. – Felipe.
A: At last check, no teeth lost, just, Caleb Martin muttered amid his six stitches, some loosened. And the fact is that it was friendly fire, thanks to an (unintentional) elbow from Jimmy Butler. But it shows that Caleb is willing to stick his nose (and teeth) into the most physical action. Even if getting up for the big games on the schedule is one thing, a prediction on Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Jazz required a spark. Caleb and Haywood Highsmith provided that when the Heat put on full-court pressure in the third quarter. What’s even more impressive is that both were on the injury report before the game, Highsmith with a knee, Caleb with a thumb. Without this ignition, it could have taken even more than 37 points from Jimmy Butler.
Q: Ira, Jimmy Butler can tell you whatever he wants, there is no Jimmy in the Playoffs. But you don’t need to be an insider to recognize that it’s moving into playoff mode. Saturday’s takeover was complete. –Jessie.
A: There is no doubt that Jimmy Butler evolves throughout the season in several gears, including one that goes up a notch after mid-season, before shifting into higher gear in the playoffs. And while he downplays all of that, the reality is that avoiding the play-in round would guarantee him at least five days off before the first round of the playoffs. Yes, he helped finish the Bucks in the first round with almost no rest after last season’s play-in round. But now he’s a year and a play-in round wiser. He really seems to be in the mode of a player looking to at least finish in the top six.
Q: Ira, last week you said that Tyler Herro’s injuries came from plays on the field. But now it’s a “lingering foot injury.” So prone to injuries? –Steve.
A: In this case, I think it’s a collective decision to place it just before the most significant match. And let’s face it, this is a position where the Heat have plenty of replacement options, with Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in place. And yet, Delon Wright didn’t even play on Saturday. So when it comes to playing it safe, it makes sense with Tyler. Now, if Bam Adebayo runs out of time, he might not be as patient.
