Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his players haven't used injuries and COVID-19 protocols as reasons they shouldn't win.
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Tyler Herro and other young Miami players are finding ways to keep the Heat winning without some of their biggest names. Herro had 21 points and Miami scored the first 16 of the second half to break open a close game as the Heat capped a successful road trip by beating the Atlanta Hawks 115-91 on Wednesday night.
Herro added 11 assists to lead short-handed Miami’s balanced attack. Caleb Martin had 18 points and the Heat closed a 4-2 trip with three wins to remain among the Eastern Conference leaders. Miami had six players on its inactive list, including top scorer Jimmy Butler, who missed his third consecutive game with a right ankle sprain.
We’re not gonna talk about how he was one rebound away from his first career triple-double. We’re not. ?
Regardless, #TylerHerro balled out and led us to another win. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/ycUeM5ZVBw
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 13, 2022
”I think what this team has learned to do is just continue to have to find a way to win with different lineups and different people out,” said Duncan Robinson, who had 14 points.
”We’ve had to find different ways to win as well. I think it’s also showcased just our depth in general.”
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Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his players haven’t used injuries and COVID-19 protocols as reasons they shouldn’t win.
”We’ve just been living in a world and a profession right now where there has just been an inordinate amount of moving parts and our guys have just handled it really well,” Spoelstra said. ”I give them a lot of credit.”
John Collins led Atlanta with 16 points. Trae Young had 15. The Hawks scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter, cutting Miami’s lead to 88-75. Atlanta again pulled within 13 with about five minutes remaining, but Herro answered with a 3-pointer.
Miami’s Max Strus scored the first eight points of the second half, including two 3-pointers. After leading 56-51 at halftime, Miami extended the advantage to 72-51 with the 16-0 run. The Heat’s biggest lead was 75-53.
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After matching its franchise record with 22 3-pointers in Saturday night’s 123-100 win at Phoenix, Miami delivered more long-distance shooting with 16 3s.
The Hawks (17-23) have lost three consecutive games and seven of nine. They began the night 12th in the East. Defense continues to be a constant weakness for coach Nate McMillan’s team, which led 27-21 after the first quarter.
De’Andre Hunter scored 15 points for Atlanta, including 13 in the first half, in his return after missing two months following right wrist surgery.
