There is no shame in losing to the Phoenix Suns in a close game because they are currently playing some excellent basketball. However, given the events of the evening, the Miami Heat ought to have prevailed.

At one point in the game, the Heat had a 15-point lead, but they fell apart once more, and the Suns triumphed 115–112.

The Heat possessed the game’s final possession and had a good chance to force OT. However, with the clock running out and the ball in his hands, Jimmy Butler made a strange choice.

With less than a second remaining, Butler chose to hand the ball to Tyler Herro rather than attempt the shot himself, despite getting a respectable enough look from three.

Yes, Herro finished it 5-9 from three and was having a fantastic scoring night. At that moment, however, he had not nearly enough time to do anything.

Heat supporters were perplexed by the move, which was unexpected from the team’s star player. After the game, Butler accepted full responsibility.

Anthony Chiang on X claims that Butler stated, “I should have just pulled back and shot it,” in reference to the last possession. We were somewhat aware of its direction. I got to shoot that one for my turnover.”

“I should have just pulled back and shot it,” said Jimmy Butler after the last possession. We were somewhat aware of its direction. I got to shoot that one for my turnover.”

The user @Anthony_Chiang is Anthony Chiang. November 7, 2024
Butler’s performance thus far this season has disappointed the majority of Heat supporters. As he searches for a final major NBA contract, he was predicted to post career-best numbers.

Rather, Butler has appeared unsteady. Although he has occasionally had strong games, his shooting percentages have been poor, and he has not appeared to be at his best overall.

It seems unlikely that many teams in the league would be willing to offer him a maximum contract if he were to decline his player option and become a free agency the following summer if things keep going this way.

Erik Spoelstra modifies the Heat’s starting lineup for the first time.

Nikola Jovic did nothing to earn a spot as the fifth starter, according to coach Erik Spoelstra during the preseason. It’s not exactly a glowing recommendation. This season, Jovic has made seven starts and is shooting 41.3% while only making 30.8% of his three-point attempts. He hasn’t contributed anything to defense or the boards.

His playing time has decreased to the point that, earlier this week against the Sacramento Kings, he was given the Luke Babbitt treatment, playing the first six minutes of each half. Jovic was substituted out of the starting lineup for the second half of Wednesday’s defeat by Spoelstra.

With 19 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 30 minutes, Haywood Highsmith, who began the second half, had a far greater impact on the game.

“We wanted to do something just to change the energy of these third quarters, and H had given us good minutes in that first half,” Spoelstra stated.

It was successful. Before the second unit handed lost the advantage later in the third quarter, the Highsmith group outscored the Suns by nine points in nine minutes.

Jovic is taller than Highsmith, who is six feet five, at six feet ten, but that hasn’t changed anything. Spoelstra began the match against the Suns with Jovic on Jusuf Nurkic, but when it became evident that Jovic couldn’t match Nurkic’s physicality, he called a quick audible. Adebayo, who started on Kevin Durant, was forced to protect Nurkic as a result. Highsmith intervened to protect Durant.

“Niko was unrelated to it,” Spoelstra stated. “Their lineup and how they can make you scramble were more important.”

However, it was related to Jovic. Jovic isn’t very useful on that end if Bam is made to guard opposing centers. It makes more sense for Highsmith to be able to make open jumpers and defend four positions.

On Friday night, I predict that Highsmith will start against the Denver Nuggets. Adebayo will be assigned to Nikola Jokic, and since Aaron Gordon will be out for a few weeks, the Heat won’t have to worry about his physicality. Highsmith can also start Michael Porter Jr., who has a size-plus-shooting issue that is similar to Durant’s.

The Heat should play Ware instead of Thomas Bryant. He is bigger and has greater defensive potential, to start. The Heat can’t continue to lose when Adebayo is on the bench, and Bryant has been exploited defensively. Although Ware is raw, he needs NBA playing time to become used to the fast-paced nature of the game. With two thefts and a block on Wednesday, his size should help offset some of the learning curve.

Kevin Love will be given a chance at minutes whenever he is healthy enough to play. And he ought to. There is no denying the value of his relationship with Jimmy Butler in the second unit from the previous season. He should be given the opportunity to regain his work. However, Ware ought to take advantage of this chance.

When Kevin Love is ready to play again, he will be given a chance to play. He ought to. Unquestionably, his and Jimmy Butler’s relationship in the second unit last season was beneficial. He is entitled to a second opportunity at his job. Ware ought to take advantage of this chance, though.