Q: The Heat scored 35 points off Cavaliers turnovers. 24 in transition. This is the type of Heat victory that Erik Spoelstra loves. The Heat had its defensive strengths. –Stuart.
A: Of course, defensive assets are easier to come by when the opposition lacks Donovan Mitchell and, to a lesser extent, Max Strus. That said, there was still some solid work against Darius Garland. And that’s the formula, not necessarily the transition points, but the defensive work. With Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson out, Haywood Highsmith had his chance and maximized the opportunity. Now the question is how Erik Spoelstra finds time for Haywood once he’s whole. Or if he does. But if the path to victory is through defense, then Haywood is the player who best helps carve that path.
Q: Do whatever it takes to get the Cavs in the first round. –Ray.
A: It would have been nice, but with all the games the Heat have allowed to slip away, it would be a challenge. To get the Cavaliers into the first round, it would take either No. 6 or No. 5. For now, it remains an uphill battle.
Q: How did we get here? Seriously, are we playing again? I hope we can get that sixth place. If Jimmy Butler isn’t at his best, we’re done. Our second best player, Bam Adebayo, can go back to being a passive Bam in any match. Our ceiling (#6-8 seeds) is where it is, not because of injury, no, it’s because Bam can’t average 23-25 like Pat Riley asked. So he’s going to ask for a supermax? – Swann.
A: Blaming Bam Adebayo on his offense is way too simplistic, considering how much he does on defense, essentially the backbone of the team on that end. And injuries matter, and matter a lot, because if you’re playing the Heat and they’re missing Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Kevin Love, you’re packing the paint like it’s never been packing before. Now if you ask if Bam Adebayo is a supermax player? No, but several of them hold such contracts either. Basically, in the NBA, if you meet the qualifying criteria in terms of rewards, you get the most. As things stand, Bam is unlikely to earn All-NBA or Defensive Player of the Year honors. So no eligibility for the supermax.
