Winner in Boston, the Heat fall back into their ways with two losses in a row. Already not very attractive against the Grizzlies, Erik Spoelstra’s players sank last night, in front of their audience, against the young Pistons. They had however started the meeting well, in the wake of an unstoppable Tyler Herro. From afar, in drive, on counter-attack… The best 6th man of last season performs a one-man-show, and he starts the match with an 8 out of 8 on shots! Fortunately he is there to allow the Heat to maintain their lead at halftime (50-47).
But on returning from the locker room, Herro finds a guarantor, and it is Bojan Bogdanovic who takes the match on his own. The two men challenge each other, and it is the Croatian who takes over with 3-point shots. Under his leadership, the Pistons sign a 14-2 to pass (68-63). The Heat does not crack, picks up the score, but Killian Hayes air-conditions the room with a 3-pointer. Every time the Heat get closer, Detroit finds a solution through Cory Joseph or Alec Burks.
And then, the Heat will crack… Bogdanovic’s battering is right for Herro’s defensive efforts, and the Croatian punctuates an 8-0 to pass the gap to +15 (103-88). Herro was glued to him but his “step back” is murderous. Spoelstra’s time-out had no effect, and he whistled “garbage time” two minutes from the end. Detroit won 116-96 for its biggest win of the season.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
The return of Victor Oladipo. Convincing return for the back of the Heat, enthusiastic in the game, and who played without restraint. He will need a few more matches to regain breath and skill, but his aggressiveness is intact.
The Battle of the Bench. Jimmy Butler, Dewayne Dedmon and Gabe Vincent absent, Spoelstra is still forced to tinker, and his bench has been eaten. Led by the Burks-Bey duo, Detroit substitutes have 54 points, against 19 for those of the Heat.
The biggest victory. This 7th victory of the season for the Pistons is only the 3rd outside, and it is above all the widest. So far, Bogdanovic’s teammates had only won one game by more than 7 points, and that was against the Warriors: +14.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Bogdan Bogdanovic. “Bogey” is playing like an All-Star this season, and he scored 28 of his 31 points in the second half. He hurts very badly at 3-pointers but also by his altruism. He shows the way to his teammates.
✅ Isaiah Stewart. A nice double-double for the imposing interior of the Pistons. Snubbed wide by Bam Adebayo, he did not hesitate to take his chance from afar. Big screen work also to free up its exteriors.
✅ Alec Burks. He asks no questions, and we feel he is released as a joker. He put in some tough shots, which took a toll on Heat morale.
✅ Tyler Herro. The only Miami player to play at his true level. His first half is almost perfect, and there is variety in his game, especially in his attacks from the circle.
✅ ⛔Kyle Lowry. After having played too much in November, Kyle Lowry accuses the blow in attack. But he leads by example in defense with his five interceptions.
THE FOLLOWING
Miami (11 – 14) : reception of the Clippers on Thursday.
Detroit (7 – 19) : back-to-back in New Orleans tonight.
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